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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.

Roman fresco showing still life

Roman fresco showing still life. On the silver dish we see various delicacies, including a cake resembling a modern focaccia or pizza. Object dated to the 1st century CE; discovered in Pompeii on the wall of one of the houses.

Roman fresco showing still life

Roman medical tools found in grave

In Wehringen (southern Germany), in the area of ​​an ancient necropolis, a grave was discovered, with human remains buried in it along with a set of surgical instruments, a stone palette and a bronze first aid kit. The first aid kit has a sliding lid and separate compartments for storing medical substances.

Roman medical tools found in grave

Roman fresco showing seated woman

Roman fresco showing a seated woman on an elegant chair. Object dated to the mid-1st century CE; discovered in Stabia. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

Roman fresco showing seated woman

Roman sculpture showing warrior on elephant

Terracotta Roman sculpture showing a warrior on an elephant; in the back, another object is visible, depicting a drunk elderly woman. The objects are dated to the 1st century CE. They were discovered in the Rufus House in Pompeii. Both sculptures were found in the fountain that adorned the peristyle of the house. The artifacts are in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

Roman sculpture showing warrior on elephant

Roman sculpture showing ancient god Glycon

Roman sculpture showing the ancient god Glycon, with the body of a snake and the head of a gazelle, who is associated with Asclepius (Esculap), the god of medicine. Object dated to the mid-2nd century CE. The artifact is in the National Museum of History and Archeology in Constanta, Romania.

Roman sculpture showing ancient god Glycon

Pugilatio – bloody sport of antiquity

Probably everyone who was in Rome and visited the Palazzo Massimo Alle Terme museum drew attention to the famous “Qurinal boxer” – a bronze sculpture found near the ruins of the Baths of Constantine. A naked, muscular man in a sitting position looks to the side, slightly up. The more attentive would have noticed deep, bloody wounds on his body.

Ancient sculpture of a boxer from Palazzo Massimo Alle Terme

Boy holding hare

Roman sculpture that once adorned the fountain. The object shows a boy holding a hare. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. The sculpture is dated to the mid-1st century CE; it was discovered in Pompeii.

Boy holding hare

Roman bust of man

Roman bust of a man. An object dating back to the 1st century CE, which is a copy of a sculpture from the 1st century BCE. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

Roman bust of man

Roman silver mirror

Roman silver mirror that was found in the House of Menander in Pompeii. The object is dated to the mid-1st century CE. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

Roman silver mirror

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