Roman fresco showing young woman
Roman fresco showing a young woman. Object dated to the 1st century CE; discovered in Stabiae. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
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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.
Support for vases or plates in shape of drunken Silenus
Support for vases or plates in shape of drunken Silenus. Object dated to the 1st century CE. An artifact made of bronze; was discovered in Pompeii. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
Roman trowel
Roman trowel left by an ancient builder in the city walls. The object was discovered in the area of ancient Verulamium (now the city of St Albans in southern England). The object is dated to the 1st century CE. The artifact is in the Verulamium museum in St Albans.
Roman bronze vessels
Roman bronze vessels piled inside each other in a tomb. The objects are dated to the 4th century CE. The discovery was made in Pewsey, in the south of England. Interestingly, a kind of “bubble wrap” of heather and ferns was used.
Spoliarium – place where corpses of gladiators were kept
In front of the entrance to the arena of Roman amphitheatres, there was a special space – the so-called spolarium. In this place, the corpses of fallen gladiators were kept, which were deprived of weapons and armament. The weapons and equipment of the fallen were given to the slave owner or to the local armory (armamentarium).
Dictator and magister equitum – a unique case
In Roman Republic there could be only one dictator. But for a short time in the most turbulent period in the history of Rome a single exception took place. Commander of the cavalry appointed by Quintus Fabius Maximus gained power equal to that of the dictator.
Roman amphitheater in Pompeii
Roman amphitheater in Pompeii was built in 70 BCE and is the oldest object of this type that has survived to our times. Characteristic, externally located stairs led to the upper stands. The amphitheater was originally wooden; later, however, a stone structure was built. The object measures 135 by 104 meters.
Empress Livia’s white hens
Ad Gallinas Albas: Few people know this name today, but two thousand years ago things were different. Known under it was a town nowadays called Prima Porta – near Rome, on Via Flaminia.
Permanent Roman-era bridge
Tiberius Bridge in Rimini is one of the oldest existing bridges in the world. This ancient Roman-era bridge dates back to the Roman Emperors Octavian Augustus and Tiberius. Construction of the bridge began during the reign of Emperor Octavian Augustus in 14 CE and was completed under Tiberius around 21 CE.
Roman herm showing philosopher Erennianos
Roman herm showing the philosopher Erennianos. The object is dated to the 3rd century CE; discovered in the city of Dion (northern Greece). It is now in the Archaeological Museum of Dion.
