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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.
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The amphitheater in ancient Salona, the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, was built in the second half of the 2nd century CE. It was one of the most important public buildings in the city, intended for hosting gladiatorial fights, wild animal hunts, and other public spectacles.
The lobby of the Amphora Hotel in Split, Croatia, houses an interesting exhibition of ancient Roman amphorae, referencing the maritime and commercial history of the Adriatic and the world of the Roman Empire.
Murmillo-type gladiator helmet used in the TV series “Spartacus.” Characteristic of this class of gladiator was a massive helmet with a large crest and full face shield. This example features additional decorations in the form of seahorses and lions, inspired by motifs known from ancient Roman art.
In the Tuscan town of San Casciano dei Bagni, one of the most important archaeological sites of recent decades was discovered between 2021 and 2022. Right next to the modern thermal baths, an ancient sanctuary associated with healing waters, functioning from Etruscan times to the late Roman Empire, was uncovered. The complex, dubbed “Bagno Grande,” contained extraordinary finds in the mud and hot water – hundreds of coins, numerous votive offerings, and perfectly preserved bronze statues.
The discovery of a Roman bas-relief depicting the coronation of the Roman Emperor Nero by his mother Agrippina. The discovery was made in 1979 during archaeological excavations at the Sebasteion in Aphrodisias, Turkey.
Rabies is a zoonosis, or zoonotic disease, transmitted from animals to humans. It is caused by viruses of the Lyssavirus genus. After entering the body through a wound, they travel along nerve fibers to the brain, causing significant neurological changes. Affected individuals (both humans and animals) appear to have lost control of their bodies and minds (symptoms include difficulty moving, seizures, salivation, hypersensitivity to stimuli, increased aggression, and hydrophobia).
During the time of the Republic, the Roman procedure for declaring war was extremely complex and involved several stages. It contained numerous rules, the strict observance of which was of paramount importance. Declaring war also involved numerous religious rites.
A miniature skull discovered in Pompeii. The object dates to the 1st century CE and was likely a magical object.
Roman mosaic depicts a man lying in bed and his partner standing. The object is dated to 1st BCE – 1st century CE.
A study published in the journal Heritage Science shows how expensive one of the most characteristic pigments used in the decoration of Pompeian houses – the famous Egyptian blue (called caeruleum) – was.
