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The world of ancient Romans abounded in a number of amazing curiosities and information. The source of knowledge about the life of the Romans are mainly works left to us by ancient writers or discoveries. The Romans left behind a lot of strange information and facts that are sometimes hard to believe.
Aerarium militare, founded by Emperor Octavian Augustus in 6 CE, was one of the key pillars of the military and financial stability of the Roman Empire. This fund was used to pay pensions to veterans of the Roman legions, constituting a pioneering support system for soldiers. Its creation aimed to minimise social unrest among veterans and ensure fair payment after leaving the service.
Castor and Pollux, also known as the Dioscuri, played an important role in Greek mythology but also gained special honour in ancient Rome. Considered the protectors of soldiers and patrons of cavalry, they symbolized brotherly loyalty and heroism. Their mythical birth from Queen Leda and the god Zeus (according to Hesiod), who took the form of a swan, gave them divine status, although Castor, unlike Pollux, was mortal.
In ancient Rome, the concepts of otium (rest) and negotium (work) formed the foundation of social and personal life, especially among the elite. It was otium post negotium – “rest after work” – that symbolized the balance that a person should maintain to live harmoniously. Otium was crucial in shaping the Romans’ culture, philosophy and everyday life.
In the Roman Republic, the Senate was one of the most important political bodies, playing a key role in shaping law and policy. It was headed by princeps senatus. This title did not mean formal power but brought enormous prestige and political influence. Who was princeps senatus, what functions did he perform and why was this title so important in the republican system of Rome?
Among the early symbols of Christianity, the letters XP (chi-rho) hold a special place, carrying a deep theological and historical meaning with them. This sign, which is the monogram of Christ, comes from the first two letters of the Greek word “Χριστός” (Christ), i.e. Chi (Χ) and Rho (Ρ). The use of these letters dates back to the 4th century CE, and their importance was reinforced during the times of Emperor Constantine the Great (who lived from approx. 272-337 CE), who introduced chi-rho as a symbol of his rule after a legendary revelation before the Battle of Milvian Bridge (312 CE).
“Annales” by Quintus Ennius (239 – 169 BCE) is a monumental epic poem that aims to tell the history of Rome from its mythical beginnings to Ennius’ contemporary times. Considered one of the fathers of Roman literature, Ennius revolutionized epic poetry by introducing Greek influences and adapting the classical Greek dactylic hexameter, making him a forerunner of the Roman epic tradition.
Frumentatio was one of the most important food distribution programs in ancient Rome, which played a key role in ensuring the social and political stability of the empire. It consisted of distributing free or subsidized grain (mainly unmilled wheat) to the Roman population, especially in Rome itself, where the problem of hunger could lead to riots and destabilization of the political scene.
Aquis Querquennis is a Roman military camp located in northwestern Spain, in Galicia, on the Limia River. It is one of the most important archaeological sites of the region, providing fascinating information about Roman expansion into the Iberian Peninsula and the lives of Roman legionaries in the province of Gallaecia.
Carpentum was one of the most important means of transportation in ancient Rome, serving both practical and symbolic functions. This two-wheeled vehicle, most often pulled by horses or mules, was used primarily by Roman elites – especially women and priests.
Calceus is a typical Roman shoe that played a key role not only as foot protection but also as a marker of social position. It was a shoe that covered the entire foot, tied at the ankle and at the front, made of durable leather, often dyed in characteristic colours reflecting the status of its owner.
