Curiosities of ancient Rome
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Shrimp on Roman ring
Roman gold ring with a cameo depicting a shrimp. The object dates to the 2nd century CE. In ancient Rome, shrimp were considered a luxury delicacy, served primarily during lavish feasts of the aristocracy. Shrimp imported from the Black Sea ... Read more
Roman fresco depicting Victoria
Roman fresco depicting Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory. Dating back to the 1st century CE, it is currently located at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, USA.
Roman mosaic that survived earthquake
An 800-square-meter Roman mosaic discovered in Antioch, southern Turkey, retains the rippling marks of an ancient earthquake without disturbing its design. The piece was discovered in 2012.
Roman floor with drawing of phallus
Roman floor with a drawing of a phallus. The object is located at the Archaeological Museum in Zadar, Croatia. In Roman culture, the phallus was a symbol of fertility, virility, and life force, as well as a talisman protecting against ... Read more
Roman vessel in shape of bear
Roman vessel in shape of bear. Dating back to the 3rd or 4th century CE, it was likely filled with oil or perfume. The artifact is located at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in the United States.
Bronze hand of Jupiter Dolichenus
Bronze hand of Jupiter Dolichenus, an enigmatic deity whose cult spread from Syria throughout the Roman Empire. The object is 22.5 cm long and was likely part of a statue of the deity. The artifact was discovered in Ćuprija, Serbia; ... Read more
Roman graffiti – voice of ordinary people from centuries ago
On the walls of ancient Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other Roman cities, archaeologists have discovered thousands of inscriptions that offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the empire’s inhabitants. These are the so-called graffiti – short notes, political slogans, love ... Read more
From swamp fever to green fairy
In one of Rome’s most powerful periods, when its borders stretched from Britain to Syria, when Julius Caesar spoke in the Forum, and when legions marched along roads leading to the Euphrates, there was a disease that no conqueror could ... Read more
Ancient statues off coast of Egypt
Several large sculptures were among a treasure trove of artifacts recovered by divers from the waters near Alexandria, Egypt. A collection of ancient statues, coins, pottery, and fragments of a merchant ship have been recovered from the waters off the ... Read more
Myth: Romans often binged and vomited to keep eating
The image of the ancient Roman in the popular imagination – perpetuated by cinema, literature, and popular culture – is often a half-naked figure reclining in a luxurious triclinium, surrounded by wine, fruit, roasted meat, and slaves fanning him during ... Read more
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