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Curiosities of ancient Rome

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.

Roman table base

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.

1 September 2023

Reconstruction of image of Emperor Commodus

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”.

31 August 2023

Reconstruction of image of Emperor Commodus

Amores riding bulls

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.

30 August 2023

Sculpture of Greek philosopher Metrodoros

Sculpture of the Greek philosopher Metrodoros, a student of Epicurus. The object is dated to the 1st century CE and is a copy of the Greek original. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

29 August 2023

Sculpture of Greek philosopher Metrodoros

Ancient “road reflectors”

In ancient Rome, the roads were often strewn with white stones (the so-called “cat’s eyes”), which reflected the moonlight and thus acted as modern street lamps or road reflectors, helping people to walk/ride after dark. The photo shows the Roman road in Pompeii.

26 August 2023

Young man with dish

Young man with a vessel on a Roman fresco. Object dated to the 1st century CE; discovered in Ariadne’s villa in Stabiae. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

26 August 2023

Roman fresco showing young man flying

Roman fresco showing a flying young man with a palm leaf and a crown in his hand. Object discovered in Stabiae in Ariadne’s villa; dated to the 1st century CE. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

26 August 2023

Roman bottles for perfumes or oils in shape of sandals

Roman bottles for perfumes or oils in the shape of sandals. The objects are made of glass and date back to the 2nd-3rd century CE. The artifacts are in the Römisch-Germanisches Museum Köln (Germany).

25 August 2023

Roman bottles for perfumes or oils in shape of sandals

Perge – pearl of Roman East

In December 2019, I was in Turkey, where I had the opportunity to visit the ruins of cities from the Roman period. Today I will share with you my impressions from visiting one of them: Perge.

24 August 2023

Ancient bust of Hercules

Ancient bust of Hercules. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

23 August 2023

Curiosities of ancient Rome

Roman table base

Reconstruction of image of Emperor Commodus

Amores riding bulls

Sculpture of Greek philosopher Metrodoros

Ancient “road reflectors”

Young man with dish

Roman fresco showing young man flying

Roman bottles for perfumes or oils in shape of sandals

Perge – pearl of Roman East

Ancient bust of Hercules

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Curiosities of ancient Rome

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