Curiosities of ancient Rome

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The world of the ancient Romans was rich in extraordinary, and sometimes even surprising, facts. We draw our knowledge of Roman daily life, customs, and mentality primarily from works left by ancient writers and historians. It is thanks to them that we discover information that is astonishing today – sometimes even hard to believe. Below are some interesting facts that reveal a lesser-known and less obvious side of the Roman world.

I encourage you to submit your own suggestions and to report any corrections or inaccuracies.

Bad luck of Pasitiles

Pliny the Elder mentions that in the first century BCE an artist from southern Italy named Pasitiles went to the wharf – where African animals were kept for performances in the arena – to engrave…Więcej

Spartacus trick

When Spartacus and his army were surrounded by Romans, he decided to do the trick. He ordered to tie the bodies of fallen comrades to poles outside the camp and arm them with available equipment.…Więcej

Beautifully decorated Roman ships prow

Roman ships prow ornament made of bronze. Dated back to circa 1st century BCE – 1st century CE.Więcej

Roman mosaic showing mice eating nut

Roman mosaic showing mice eating a nut. Object located in Vatican Museum. Dated back to reign of Hadrian (117-138 CE). The mosaic was made with an extremely arduous and precise method opus vermiculatum. Artists creating…Więcej

Roman mosaic showing pig with porcini

Roman mosaic showing pig with porcini. This beautiful mosaic is located in the Vatican Museum, Rome.Więcej

Roman wrought iron tripod with a terracotta kist

Roman wrought iron tripod with a terracotta kist. Found in Pompeii. Currently located in Archaeological Museum in Naples. Dated back to I century CE.Więcej

Roman axe head from an iron

Roman axe head from an iron. Object found in Pompeii. Dated back to I century CE. Currently located in Naples, Museo Archeologico Nazionale.Więcej

Roman fresco showing winged creature

Roman fresco showing winged creature; probably a griffin. Object found in Pompeii.Więcej

Roman glass jug with chain handle

Roman glass jug with chain handle. Dated back to III century CE.Więcej

Roman art showing Venus putting on sandal

Roman art showing Venus putting on sandal. Method of creation – Opus sectile. Found in Pompeii. Currently located in National Archaeological Museum. Naples. The wall painting was made using the opus sectile method, which consisted…Więcej

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