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.

Spoliarium – place where corpses of gladiators were kept

In front of the entrance to the arena of Roman amphitheatres, there was a special space – the so-called spolarium. In this place, the corpses of fallen gladiators were kept, which were deprived of weapons…Więcej

Dictator and magister equitum – a unique case

In Roman Republic there could be only one dictator. But for a short time in the most turbulent period in the history of Rome a single exception took place. Commander of the cavalry appointed by…Więcej

Roman amphitheater in Pompeii

Roman amphitheater in Pompeii was built in 70 BCE and is the oldest object of this type that has survived to our times. Characteristic, externally located stairs led to the upper stands. The amphitheater was…Więcej

Empress Livia’s white hens

Ad Gallinas Albas: Few people know this name today, but two thousand years ago things were different. Known under it was a town nowadays called Prima Porta – near Rome, on Via Flaminia. A legend…Więcej

Permanent Roman-era bridge

Tiberius Bridge in Rimini is one of the oldest existing bridges in the world. This ancient Roman-era bridge dates back to the Roman Emperors Octavian Augustus and Tiberius. Construction of the bridge began during the…Więcej

Roman herm showing philosopher Erennianos

Roman herm showing the philosopher Erennianos. The object is dated to the 3rd century CE; discovered in the city of Dion (northern Greece). It is now in the Archaeological Museum of Dion.Więcej

Polybius square

Polybius square is (known also as Polybius checkerboard) a type of monoalphabetic cipher (the hidden letter corresponds to the open letter), which owes its name to the famous ancient historian and writer – Polybius. As…Więcej

Partially preserved marble head of woman

Partially preserved marble head of a woman from Roman times – probably Venus (Aphrodite). According to the researchers, the oxidation of the sculpture’s brown eyelashes created tear-like spots. The object was discovered in Athens. It…Więcej

Antique boxing glove

Fragment of a sculpture of a boxer (pugil), which shows an antique boxing glove. This type of wrist protector was made of several layers of leather. Object dated to the 1st century CE; discovered on…Więcej

Fragment of Roman fresco showing pensive couple

Fragment of a Roman fresco showing a pensive couple. Object dated to the 1st century CE; discovered in Stabiae. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

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