Phallus-shaped object attached to wall
Preserved phallus-shaped object that was attached to the wall above the entrance to a shop in Pompeii. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
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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 scuplture in algae underwater
Roman sculpture in algae underwater in the Bay of Naples, in the area of Baie – a Roman city under water.
Roman mosaic depicting owl
Roman mosaic depicting an owl. The object was discovered in Uzèz in southern France. Dated to the second half of the 1st century BCE.
Roman fresco divided into two scenes
Roman fresco divided into two scenes. At the top you can see two lares pouring wine from the horn – so-called rhyton – and Genius, who, with the support of his assistants, makes a sacrifice. There is also a musician playing the flute on the upper stage.
Sculptures of Amores with vessel
Sculptures of Amores with a vessel, made of bronze. Objects were discovered in Pompeii or Herculaneum. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Painter on Roman fresco
Roman fresco showing a painter retouching a painting depicting the herm of Dionysus. The object was discovered in Pompeii. Dated to the 1st century CE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Mosaic with inscription SALVE LUCRU
One of the Roman houses from the 1st century BCE in Pompeii had a very interesting inscription on the floor in the entrance – SALVE LUCRU, i.e. “Welcome, money”. The mosaic decorated the house of a certain Publius Vedius Siricus, who was a significant city politician and trader. Every day he was visited at home by supporters who read this inscription.
Sphinx on Roman fresco
Sphinx on a Roman fresco. Object discovered in Pompeii. Dated to the 1st century BCE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Pantheon and secrets of its creators
Pantheon seems to be a perfect building – entire volumes have been written about the perfection of its dome. Next: about the proportions of its rotunda. When we stand close to a temple, we usually do not pay attention to certain irregularities in its shape. Yet some experts note that during the construction of the Pantheon, not everything probably went according to the architects’ intentions.
Cleopatra and her son Caesarion on Roman fresco
Roman fresco discovered in Pompeii that depicts queen Cleopatra and her son Caesarion as Venus and Amor. Dated to the 1st century CE.
