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.

Sculpture of Greek philosopher Metrodoros

Sculpture of the Greek philosopher Metrodoros, a student of Epicurus. The object is dated to the 1st century CE and is a copy of the Greek original. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum…Więcej

Ancient “road reflectors”

In ancient Rome, the roads were often strewn with white stones (the so-called “cat’s eyes”), which reflected the moonlight and thus acted as modern street lamps or road reflectors, helping people to walk/ride after dark.…Więcej

Young man with dish

Young man with a vessel on a Roman fresco. Object dated to the 1st century CE; discovered in Ariadne’s villa in Stabiae. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

Roman fresco showing young man flying

Roman fresco showing a flying young man with a palm leaf and a crown in his hand. Object discovered in Stabiae in Ariadne’s villa; dated to the 1st century CE. The artifact is in the…Więcej

Roman bottles for perfumes or oils in shape of sandals

Roman bottles for perfumes or oils in the shape of sandals. The objects are made of glass and date back to the 2nd-3rd century CE. The artifacts are in the Römisch-Germanisches Museum Köln (Germany).Więcej

Perge – pearl of Roman East

In December 2019, I was in Turkey, where I had the opportunity to visit the ruins of cities from the Roman period. Today I will share with you my impressions from visiting one of them:…Więcej

Ancient bust of Hercules

Ancient bust of Hercules. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

Roman clay figurines showing men with large phalluses

Roman clay figurines showing men with large phalluses. The artifacts are in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

Fayum portrait showing bearded man

Fayum portrait showing a bearded man. Object dated to the mid-2nd century CE; discovered in Fayum (Egypt) Currently the artifact is in the Myers Collection, Eton College, Windsor (England). Fayum portraits were realistic portraits made…Więcej

Reconstruction of Roman fort Mobene

Reconstruction of the Roman fort Mobene built in the desert in Jordan. The object is dated to the beginning of the 4th century CE.Więcej

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