If you have found a spelling error, please, notify us by selecting that text and pressing Ctrl+Enter.
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 fresco showing Theseus and Ariadne. The scene shows the moment when Theseus heads towards the ship while Ariadne is sleeping on the island of Naxos. Theseus abandons the daughter of the king of Crete – Minos – on the orders of Dionysus. The object was discovered in Pompeii; dating back to the 1st century CE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Roman fresco showing a woman playing the lyre. The object was discovered in Stabiae.
Roman fresco showing chickens. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Roman mosaic showing a drunken Silenus (Bachus’ companion) riding his horse. The object was discovered in Pompeii. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Theseus honored by the Athenians after killing the Minotaur. The fresco dates back to the 1st century CE; discovered in Pompeii. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Roman fresco showing a tragic mask. Object discovered in Pompeii and dated to the 1st century BCE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Bronze sculpture depicting an athlete (runner). The object was discovered in the Villa of the Papyruses in Herculaneum. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Roman fresco showing the scene of the kiss of Galatea, the nymph with whom the cyclops Polyphemus fell in love. Object discovered in Pompeii; dating back to the 1st century CE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Still life showing birds, a lobster and a rabbit. The fresco was discovered in Herculaneum. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
Roman fresco showing bread and garlic. Object discovered in Herculaneum. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
