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.

Amor collecting grapes

Roman floor-mosaic showing Amor picking grapes. Object located in Carthage, Tunisia. Dated back to IV century CE.Więcej

Beautiful Roman ring

Roman gold finger ring with cameo, dated back to 2nd century CEWięcej

Swastika – symbol of happiness and prosperity

Swastika, as a result of Hitler and Nazi Germany, became a symbol of hatred and racial segregation. Not many however realize that 卐 symbol was already used in ancient times, all around the world, and…Więcej

Roman globular glass jug

Roman globular glass jug. Dated back to I-II century CE.Więcej

Elagabalus married Vestal Virgin

Emperor Elagabalus (reigned in 218-222 CE) was famous for scandalous behavior. One of his worst offenses for the public was being in the relation with priestess of the Roman goddess of a home bonfire, Vesta,…Więcej

Were condoms known to ancient Greeks and Romans?

Were condoms already known to the ancient Greeks and Romans? We can find a lot of information on the Internet that Roman legionaries used animal intestines (especially sheep) as condoms. Is this really true? Roman…Więcej

Brutus – traitor forever

Marcus Junius Brutus is still the embodiment of betrayal. Although today we know him almost exclusively as a killer of Caesar during his lifetime he was also famous as an outstanding rhetorician and expert on…Więcej

Boxing was a popular sport in Rome

Boxing (pugilatus) was a popular sport in ancient Rome. In order to protect the hands from damage, fists were wrapped with leather thongs. With time, the harder skin was used, which increased the strength of…Więcej

Roman head in good condition

Roman head preserved in good condition. The object is made of marble; dated back to around 30 BCE.Więcej

Reproduction of Roman chair of emperor Trajan

Reproduction of the Roman chair of Emperor Trajan. The object is made of wrought iron and finished with a green patina. The object is made entirely by hand.Więcej

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