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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 relief from Pompeii showing construction tools used by the “master builder” (structor): trowel, plumb line, hammer, scalpel. There is also a phallus visible on the stone – a symbol of prosperity and happiness. The facility is located in the Antiquarium Parco Archeologico Pompei.
What are we talking about? Of course, probably the largest monolith ever brought and placed in Rome. The obelisk of the Egyptian pharaoh Thutmose III, which was ordered to be placed on the Circus Maximus by Emperor Constantius II.
Roman bas-relief depicting a juggler. The object dates back to the 1st century CE. The artifact is in the Atestino National Museum in Italy.
Roman sculpture showing a Hellenistic ruler. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
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.
