Curiosities of ancient Rome

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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.

Athlete from Villa of Papyruses

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.Więcej

Roman fresco showing scene of kiss of Galatea and Polyphemus

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…Więcej

Still life showing birds, lobster and rabbit

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.Więcej

Roman fresco showing bread and garlic

Roman fresco showing bread and garlic. Object discovered in Herculaneum. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.Więcej

Roman hand abacus

Roman hand abacus, which was used by, among others, engineers or merchants. You could always have this type of ancient calculator with you and thus speed up operations. Interestingly, the modern word “calculator” comes from…Więcej

Roman sculpture depicting Plautilla

Roman sculpture showing Plautilla – the wife of Emperor Caracalla. The object dates back to 202 CE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. Interestingly, Caracalla sincerely hated his wife –…Więcej

Roman fresco showing rooster pecking grapes

Roman fresco showing a rooster pecking grapes. The object was discovered in Herculaneum and dated to the 1st century CE. The artifact is located in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.Więcej

Roman fresco showing symbols of Dionysus

Roman fresco showing the symbols of Dionysus (Bacchus): a panther, a tambourine, a rhython and a cup of wine. The object was discovered in Pompeii and dates back to the 1st century CE. The artifact…Więcej

“How did you become Agrippa?”

It is true that every new monarch ascending the throne must take into account the danger of a potential attack on his life. As history shows, there has never been a shortage of people who…Więcej

Cover of Roman sarcophagus

Cover of Roman sarcophagus with a depiction of a feasting scene during Bacchanalia. The object dates back to the mid-2nd century CE.Więcej

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