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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.
Today we will talk about one of the most recognizable works of ancient European art – the so-called Laocoon Group. The sculpture, which is certainly one of the most valuable exhibits in the Vatican Museums, attracts the attention of everyone who stands in front of it. Baroque expressiveness makes it difficult to take your eyes off it. However, what makes it interesting is not only the heart-warming story set in stone, but also the number of secrets it hides.
Roman mosaic showing the personification of winter. The object was discovered at Bignor’s villa in West Sussex (South England).
Reliefs from the Hadrianeum, which show the trophies and personifications of the Roman provinces. Hadrianeum (temple of Emperor Hadrian) was located on the Campus Martius and was founded on the order of the next emperor – Antoninus Pius (138-161 CE).
Roman sculpture showing Satyr with fruit. The object is dated to the late 1st century BCE. Discovered in the so-called House of the Tragic Poet in Pompeii. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
Phalera (pl. phalerae), a kind of medal or decoration that Roman soldiers wore tied with leather straps above the chest.
Doryphoros on a Roman sculpture. It is a copy of a Greek original by a Greek sculptor from the 5th century BCE – Polykleitos. Doryphoros means “spear-bearer” in Greek and depicts a young man holding a lost javelin. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
When we think of chariot races in ancient Rome, the first thing that comes to mind is Circus Maximus. But the “Great Circus” was not the only racetrack existing in ancient Rome. Many of you probably remember that Emperor Caligula also started building his hippodrome in the Vatican (the work was finally completed by Nero). A memento of him is the obelisk currently standing on pl. St. Peter. Recently, I also wrote about the Maxentius Hippodrome on the Appian Way.
Roman table base, which shows mythological scenes – a sea monster, Scylla, who kidnaps the sailors of Odysseus (Ulysses) and a centaur. The object is dated to the mid-2nd century CE and is in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Reconstruction of the image of Emperor Commodus (reigned from 180 to 192 CE). His rule was a cruel tyranny. Compared to Caligula and Nero. Murdered as a result of a conspiracy involving his lover Marcia. From that moment, Rome ceased to have such strength as in the times of “five good emperors”.
Roman relief showing two Amores riding bulls. Object dated to the beginning of the 2nd century CE; discovered in the Forum Caesar in Rome. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
