Plaster cast of young woman
A plaster cast of a young woman who died in Pompeii as a result of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Her hips were wrapped in cloth. The artifact is on display in Pompeii.
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Curiosities of ancient Rome
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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Roman fresco showing young Harpocrates
Roman fresco showing young Harpocrates, son of Isis and Osiris. The depicted deity approaches the altar, which is entangled by a snake eating sacrifices. Dated to the 1st century CE. The object was discovered in Herculaneum. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Roman sculpture of Dionysus (Bacchus) and Satyr
Roman bronze and silver sculpture showing Dionysus (Bacchus) and Satyr. The object was discovered in Pompeii and dates back to the mid-1st century CE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Roman altar of certain Gaius Julius Alpinus Classicianus
Roman altar of a certain Gaius Julius Alpinus Classicianus, which was found in the ruins of the Roman defensive walls of Londinium. Thanks to the accounts of the Roman historian Tacitus, we know that the man was the minister of finance in Britain and was sent there by Nero after the fall of Boudica’s rebellion (60-61 CE).
Relief on wall of one of Roman houses in Pompeii
Relief on the wall of one of the Roman houses in Pompeii on Via dell’Abbondanza. The phallus brought good luck and protected against bad luck and black magic.
Mosaic discovered in ancient Greek city of Zeugma
Mosaic discovered in the ancient Greek city of Zeugma (present-day Turkey). The object is located in the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep (southern Türkiye).
Ancient sculpture of young man
Ancient sculpture of a young man. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. The caption under the exhibit – “Epheb” – suggests that we are dealing with the image of a Greek young man aged 18-20 who has undergone military training.
Roman portrait of unknown man
Roman portrait of an unknown man. The sculpture dates back to the 1st century BCE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Roman fresco showing young man and cattle
Roman fresco showing a young man (it may be Paris) grazing sheep and cattle next to the sanctuary. The object dates back to the 1st century CE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Roman sculpture showing river deity with horn of plenty
Roman sculpture showing a river deity with a horn of plenty (cornucopia). The object dates back to the 2nd century CE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
