Damaged sculpture of Hercules
Damaged sculpture of Hercules. Object dated to the 2nd-3rd century CE; it is now in the Archaeological Museum of Murcia (southern Spain).
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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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Ancient stadium in Aphrodisias
An ancient stadium in Aphrodisias (southwestern Turkey), which has been preserved in very good condition. The facility could accommodate about 30,000 spectators and was built at the end of the 1st century CE.
Roman victoriati
Roman victoriati dated to the 2nd-1st century BCE. Coins discovered in Murcia. They are currently on display at the Archaeological Museum of Murcia.
Falcata – Iberian weapon
Falcata, an Iberian weapon that was used, among others, during the Second Punic War. The Carthaginian army, recruiting warriors from the Iberian Peninsula, had this type of armament in stock. The object is in the Archaeological Museum of Murcia (southern Spain).
Inscription carved on wall of Roman House of Vettii
An inscription carved on the wall of the Roman House of the Vettii in Pompeii. The graffiti is on the left wall in the entrance hall. The inscription reads: EUTYHIS GRECA ASSIBUS II MORIBUS BELLIS, meaning “Eutychis Greek nice mannered for two asses”. It is not clear whether Eutychis was a domestic slave offering love services or a local prostitute.
Montefortino type helmet
Roman Montefortino type helmet made of bronze. Object dated to the 3rd-2nd century BCE; discovered in Granada (southern Spain). Currently on display at the Archaeological Museum of Murcia.
Roman sculpture showing bearded man
Roman sculpture showing a bearded man, possibly one of the emperors. Object dated to the end of the 2nd or the beginning of the 3rd century CE. An artifact made of marble; it is now in the museum of the Roman theater in Cartagena.
Punic walls in Cartagena
In Cartagena (south-eastern Spain) there are remains of the Punic walls of Cartagena, which date back to the 3rd century BCE. Scientists have found traces of fire, which proves that a battle and probably looting really took place here.
Roman denarii found in Spain
Roman denarii found in Spain. Objects dated to the 2nd-1st century BCE; discovered in La Grajuela, in south-eastern Spain. Currently, the artifacts are on display at the Archaeological Museum of Murcia.
Roman theater in Cartagena
Roman theater in Cartagena (southern Spain) was built in the late 1st century BCE. The facility is hidden among the modern buildings of the city.
