Marble sculpture of Amor with theatrical mask
Marble sculpture of Amor with theatrical mask. Object dated to the 1st century CE; discovered in Pompeii and located in the local museum.
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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.
Rhea Sylvia on Roman statue
Damaged Roman statue identified as Rhea Sylvia – the mythological mother of Romulus and Remus. The object is made of marble and dates back to the 1st century BCE. The artifact is on display in the Roman theater museum in Cartagena (southern Spain).
Roman fresco showing Nereid
Roman fresco showing the Nereid on the back of a sea creature. Nereids in ancient mythology were sea nymphs. The painting was discovered in Stabiae in Villa Arianna. Dated to the 1st century CE.
Roman mosaic showing fish and sea animals
Roman mosaic, partially preserved, showing fish and sea animals – sometimes eaten. The object was discovered in a private villa in Aquileia and dates back to the 1st century BCE.
Roman fresco showing young woman
Roman fresco showing a young woman. Object dated to the 1st century CE; discovered in Stabiae. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
Support for vases or plates in shape of drunken Silenus
Support for vases or plates in shape of drunken Silenus. Object dated to the 1st century CE. An artifact made of bronze; was discovered in Pompeii. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
Roman trowel
Roman trowel left by an ancient builder in the city walls. The object was discovered in the area of ancient Verulamium (now the city of St Albans in southern England). The object is dated to the 1st century CE. The artifact is in the Verulamium museum in St Albans.
Roman bronze vessels
Roman bronze vessels piled inside each other in a tomb. The objects are dated to the 4th century CE. The discovery was made in Pewsey, in the south of England. Interestingly, a kind of “bubble wrap” of heather and ferns was used.
Spoliarium – place where corpses of gladiators were kept
In front of the entrance to the arena of Roman amphitheatres, there was a special space – the so-called spolarium. In this place, the corpses of fallen gladiators were kept, which were deprived of weapons and armament. The weapons and equipment of the fallen were given to the slave owner or to the local armory (armamentarium).
Dictator and magister equitum – a unique case
In Roman Republic there could be only one dictator. But for a short time in the most turbulent period in the history of Rome a single exception took place. Commander of the cavalry appointed by Quintus Fabius Maximus gained power equal to that of the dictator.
