Well-preserved mummy from Roman times
A well-preserved mummy from Roman times, discovered in cemeteries in the oasis of Fayum (Egypt). Object dated to the 1st century CE, showing a young man.
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Curiosities of ancient Rome
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.
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Roman tombstone with image of small child’s head
Roman tombstone with the image of a small child’s head. On the stone there is an inscription: “Here lies Tiberius Natronius Venustus. He lived 4 years, 4 months, and 10 days”. The object was discovered in the ancient necropolis of Santa Rosa near the Vatican.
Marble sculpture of Amor with theatrical mask
Marble sculpture of Amor with theatrical mask. Object dated to the 1st century CE; discovered in Pompeii and located in the local museum.
Rhea Sylvia on Roman statue
Damaged Roman statue identified as Rhea Sylvia – the mythological mother of Romulus and Remus. The object is made of marble and dates back to the 1st century BCE. The artifact is on display in the Roman theater museum in Cartagena (southern Spain).
Roman fresco showing Nereid
Roman fresco showing the Nereid on the back of a sea creature. Nereids in ancient mythology were sea nymphs. The painting was discovered in Stabiae in Villa Arianna. Dated to the 1st century CE.
Roman mosaic showing fish and sea animals
Roman mosaic, partially preserved, showing fish and sea animals – sometimes eaten. The object was discovered in a private villa in Aquileia and dates back to the 1st century BCE.
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.
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.
