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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.
Roman sculpture depicting old Silenus, god of nature, with a crown of ivy on his head. The object dates back to the 2nd century CE and is based on a Hellenic pattern. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Roman mosaic showing a man visiting a doctor. The object was discovered in Algeria and is located in the Algiers Museum in Algeria.
Roman sapphire gemstone depicting the image of Emperor Caracalla. The object dates back to the 3rd century CE. The artifact is located in Marlborough (USA), in the Walters Art Museum.
Roman bust of a man from the 3rd century CE. The object is located in the Capitoline Museums in Rome.
Preserved stone stairs in Pompeii. Not many floors remained in the destroyed city as the buildings collapsed under the weight of falling ash and volcanic material.
Roman sculpture showing the bust of Hercules. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Roman sculpture depicting Aphrodite (Venus). The object is a Roman copy (from the 1st century CE) of a Greek original from the 5th century BCE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Fragment of a Roman sarcophagus showing Diana, the goddess of nature, and Endymion, the shepherd. The object dates back to the 2nd century CE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Roman sculpture of Antinous, depicted as Bacchus. The object dates back to the 2nd century CE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Roman relief showing Pan, the guardian deity of forests and fields, riding a mule. The object is a Roman copy of a Greek original. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
