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.

Roman medical tools found in grave

In Wehringen (southern Germany), in the area of an ancient necropolis, a grave was discovered, with human remains buried in it along with a set of surgical instruments, a stone palette and a bronze first…Więcej

Roman fresco showing seated woman

Roman fresco showing a seated woman on an elegant chair. Object dated to the mid-1st century CE; discovered in Stabia. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

Roman sculpture showing warrior on elephant

Terracotta Roman sculpture showing a warrior on an elephant; in the back, another object is visible, depicting a drunk elderly woman. The objects are dated to the 1st century CE. They were discovered in the…Więcej

Roman sculpture showing ancient god Glycon

Roman sculpture showing the ancient god Glycon, with the body of a snake and the head of a gazelle, who is associated with Asclepius (Esculap), the god of medicine. Object dated to the mid-2nd century…Więcej

Pugilatio – bloody sport of antiquity

Probably everyone who was in Rome and visited the Palazzo Massimo Alle Terme museum drew attention to the famous “Qurinal boxer” – a bronze sculpture found near the ruins of the Baths of Constantine. A…Więcej

Boy holding hare

Roman sculpture that once adorned the fountain. The object shows a boy holding a hare. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. The sculpture is dated to the mid-1st century CE; it…Więcej

Roman bust of man

Roman bust of a man. An object dating back to the 1st century CE, which is a copy of a sculpture from the 1st century BCE. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in…Więcej

Roman silver mirror

Roman silver mirror that was found in the House of Menander in Pompeii. The object is dated to the mid-1st century CE. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

Roman military frying pan

Roman military frying pan with foldable handle for easy storage and portability. The object was made of iron and was used by a soldier to cook meals. The object is located at the National Legion…Więcej

Amazon on horseback

Roman bronze sculpture showing an Amazon on horseback. Object dated to the mid-1st century CE. Discovered in Herculaneum; it is now in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.Więcej

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