Nero loved to perform at Games
In 64 CE Emperor Nero went to Greece for a year and a half, where, according to various rumours, earned over 1,800 victories wreaths as a charioteer, lute player, singer and actor.
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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.
Gladiator had to know how to die
Gladiators were taught to kill and die stoically. Defeated, who failed to obtain the so-called missus or grace, could choose the way of death. He could kneel on the ground in front of his opponent, lean over and wrap his left arm around his left knee, thus exposing his neck. One quick cut to the throat severed the major arteries and ensured a quick but bloody death.
Latrine in Roman camp
According to archaeologists, in Britain, as many as 40% of Roman military camps have preserved traces of latrines. The most famous toilet is the one made of stone in Housesteads, England, at Hadrian’s wall, which could accommodate more “military”. This type of latrine was most often placed close to the place where the hill fell (the Romans located their camps on elevated terrain), which enabled the natural outflow of waste, relative hygiene and removal of bad smells.
Children’s games in ancient Rome
That the ancient Romans liked to have fun is no secret to anyone with even the faintest idea of Roman history. Great famous buildings like Flavian Amphitheater, Circus Maximus, Pompeii Amphitheater and many other lesser-known buildings of this type where numerous events took place such as naumachias, gladiator fights or chariot races, only confirm this. But what about children? Did they have fun too? If so, what kind? Did they have their own toys?
Good elephant rider
When having war elephants, it was extremely important to have experienced drivers of these animals, i.e. mahouts. Their task was to take care of the animal every day: feeding, watering, cleaning, and in the event of wounds or illness, special care. In addition to caring for the elephant, the mahout’s most important function was guiding the elephant.
Urine in ancient Rome
In ancient Rome, urine was a versatile and valuable commodity that had many uses, from medicine to cleaning to manufacturing. While some of these uses may seem strange or even repulsive today, it’s important to remember that the Romans were skilled and resourceful people who used every resource available to them.
Aristonicus (Eumenes III) – self-proclaimed king of Pergamon
In 133 BCE, Attalus III died on the throne of the Kingdom of Pergamum (the western part of present-day Turkey). In his will, he handed over his country to Roman rule. As the Romans were very slow in securing their rights, a certain Aristonicus raised a rebellion against the decision of the former king.
Roman fresco showing old Silenus and Maenad
Roman fresco showing old Silenus and Maenad, who offers him a silver cup with wine. They were both companions of Bacchus, the god of wine. Object dated to the 1st century CE; it was discovered in Pompeii. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
Who decided about punishment for murderer in early Rome?
According to the original social rules in ancient Rome, it was the family of the victim who chose the type of punishment for the murderer. We do not have any written laws, in the set of XII tables, that govern the laws of a murderer.
Roman floor mosaic showing Medusa
Roman floor mosaic showing Medusa, a mythical monster who turned people to stone with her eyes. Object dated to the 1st century CE; discovered in Pompeii. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
