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.

Preserved Roman helmet

Preserved Roman helmet at the Archaeological Museum in Worms (south-western Germany). This is an example of a Roman helmet of the Imperial-Gallic (galae) type.Więcej

Ancient granite crocodile sculpture

Ancient granite crocodile sculpture. The object was discovered in Egypt; dated to the Roman period.Więcej

Roman sculpture showing river deity

Roman sculpture showing a river deity. Object dated to the 2nd century CE. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

Roman army – bloody, brutal, vengeful…

While we marvel at Rome’s achievements – architecture, mosaics, frescoes, literature and law – the truth is painful: the vast empire was not created by extraordinary coincidence, and the peoples incorporated into it were not…Więcej

Roman fresco showing fight of heron and cobra

Roman fresco showing the fight of a heron and a cobra. The object was discovered in the so-called House of Epigrams in Pompeii. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. Dated to…Więcej

Pedestal from Roman equestrian statue

Pedestal from a Roman equestrian statue from the 1st century CE. The inscription says: “To Marcus Allius Avitus, son of Marcus, of the tribus Collina. The people of Valencia, veterans and elders, dedicate [the statue].…Więcej

Mosaic from tomb of former slaves

Roman mosaic from the tomb where a couple of former slaves – Amphio and Rustica – were buried. As we can read on the mosaic, the couple got married after liberation. They both received their…Więcej

Ephebe on Roman sculpture

Roman sculpture showing a young man. Under the object in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, we can read that it is a likeness of the so-called ephebe, a Greek youth who underwent compulsory military…Więcej

Roman fresco showing young man with wreath

Roman fresco showing a young man with a wreath. Object dated to the 1st century CE. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

Roman fresco showing still life

Roman fresco showing still life. On the silver dish we see various delicacies, including a cake resembling a modern focaccia or pizza. Object dated to the 1st century CE; discovered in Pompeii on the wall…Więcej

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