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.

Mosaic with inscription SALVE LUCRU

One of the Roman houses from the 1st century BCE in Pompeii had a very interesting inscription on the floor in the entrance – SALVE LUCRU, i.e. “Welcome, money”. The mosaic decorated the house of…Więcej

Sphinx on Roman fresco

Sphinx on a Roman fresco. Object discovered in Pompeii. Dated to the 1st century BCE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.Więcej

Pantheon and secrets of its creators

Pantheon seems to be a perfect building – entire volumes have been written about the perfection of its dome. Next: about the proportions of its rotunda. When we stand close to a temple, we usually…Więcej

Cleopatra and her son Caesarion on Roman fresco

Roman fresco discovered in Pompeii that depicts queen Cleopatra and her son Caesarion as Venus and Amor. Dated to the 1st century CE.Więcej

Roman mosaic showing boxing match

Roman mosaic showing a boxing match. The object was discovered on the site of the Roman Augusta Treverorum (present-day Trier, in western Germany). Dated to the mid-4th century CE. The artifact is located in the…Więcej

Roman colander

Roman colander, made of bronze, discovered in Herculaneum. The object is on display in the museum in Herculaneum. The colander was used, among other things, to strain and cool wine and other liquids with snow…Więcej

Roman sculpture showing man in military uniform

Roman sculpture showing man in military uniform, with a modern head of Julius Caesar. The object dates back to the 2nd-3rd century CE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.Więcej

Mithra killing bull on relief

Roman relief from the 3rd century CE showing Mithras killing a bull. When the photo was taken, the object was on display at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. Mithras was a Persian sun god…Więcej

Roman fresco depicting fountain and bird

Roman fresco depicting a fountain and a bird. The object dates back to the 1st century CE; found in Pompeii. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.Więcej

Roman wall fresco showing view of seaside villa and sailing boats

Roman wall fresco from Herculaneum or Pompeii showing a view of a seaside villa and sailing boats. 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