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.

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. Fayum portraits were realistic portraits made on wood, which…Więcej

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…Więcej

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.Więcej

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…Więcej

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.Więcej

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. A mosaic decorated the dining…Więcej

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.Więcej

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…Więcej

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…Więcej

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…Więcej

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