Curiosities of ancient Rome

This page is also available in: Polish (polski)

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.

I encourage you to submit your own suggestions and to report any corrections or inaccuracies.

Peristyle in House of the Golden Cupids in Pompeii

Peristyle located in the so-called House of the Golden Cupids in Pompeii. This house was one of the most elegant in the city, as evidenced by the large interior garden. The peristyle was surrounded by…Więcej

Marble sculpture depicting muse Erato

Marble sculpture showing the muse Erato – the goddess of love poetry. The object dates back to the 1st century CE. Discovered in Pompeii; the artifact is on display in Pompeii.Więcej

Bust of Scipio Africanus the Elder

Bust of Scipio Africanus the Elder. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. Scipio Africanus the Elder was a Roman leader and politician. He went down in history as the defender…Więcej

Mars and Venus on Roman fresco

Mars and Venus in a loving embrace on a Roman fresco. The object dates back to the 1st century CE; discovered in Pompeii. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.Więcej

Roman wall fresco showing garden scene

Roman wall fresco showing a garden scene. The object dates back to the early 1st century CE. Discovered in Herculaneum or Pompeii. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.Więcej

Marble relief showing fallen cataphracts and destroyed chariots

Marble relief showing fallen cataphracts and destroyed chariots. The object may be an artistic visualization of the defeat of the Seleucid Monarchy at Magnesia in 190 BCE. The artifact is located in the Pergamon Museum…Więcej

Centaur with lyre

Centaur with a lyre. Roman marble sculpture dating to the 1st century CE. The object was discovered in Oplontis. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.Więcej

Roman statuettes depicting two African boxers

Roman statuettes depicting two African boxers fighting. On their hands, the boxers wear antique gloves (caestus), made of leather and wicker, sometimes enriched with metal plates, blades or spikes to increase brutality. Artifact dating back…Więcej

Roman mosaic depicting gladiators after fight

Roman mosaic depicting gladiators after a fight. On his knees is a defeated retiarius, a lightly armored gladiator fighting with a trident, with a pauldron and a net. The winner was the heavily armored warrior.…Więcej

Roman candelabrum

Roman candelabrum, made of bronze, which once decorated the atrium of one of the Roman houses in Pompeii. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.Więcej

IMPERIUM ROMANUM needs your support!

If you like the content I collect on the website and share it on social media channels, I will be grateful for your support. Even the smallest amounts will allow me to pay for further corrections and improvements on the site and pay for the server.

Support IMPERIUM ROMANUM!

Discover secrets of ancient Rome!

If you want to be up to date with the newest articles on the website and discoveries from ancient Rome, subscribe to the newsletter, which is sent each Saturday.

Subscribe to newsletter!

Classic mobile version