Roman fragment of fresco showing theatrical mask
Roman fragment of a fresco showing a theatrical mask. The object dates back to the 1st century BCE. Discovered in Pompeii. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
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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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Domitian’s fark feast
Emperor Domitian was extremely suspicious towards the end of his reign and sensed conspiracies everywhere. He was also reluctant to refer to senators. According to Cassius Dio, once the ruler invited a group of influential senators to dinner at his residence. The drawing room where the feast was to take place was painted entirely black.
Roman mould for loaves of bread
Roman mould for loaves of bread. The object is made of bronze and dates back to the 1st century CE. The artifact was discovered in Pompeii and is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
Roman statues of men
Roman sculptures of men, were probably discovered in the so-called villa of the papyri, which was located under Herculaneum. The villa was covered with pyroclastic material as a result of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE. The artifacts are in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
Commodus did not like senators
Emperor Commodus never was fond of the senatorial order, leading to the conviction of many senators. At certain games, he tried to prove his marksmanship.
Roman fresco showing rabbit and figs
Roman fresco showing a rabbit and figs. Object dated to the 1st century CE; discovered in Herculaneum. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
Herd of elephants surrounded by people
Pliny the Elder mentions in his encyclopedic work Natural History that a herd of elephants surrounded by hunters position themselves in such a way that the individuals with the smallest fangs were at the front. In this way, they supposedly want to convince people that it is not worth trying ivory.
Silenus, Faun i Amor
Roman fresco showing Silenus (companion of Bacchus) and Faun and Amor fighting each other. Object dated to the 1st century CE; discovered in Pompeii. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
Geta liked to eat well
Geta, co-reigning with her brother Caracalla, since the death of father Septimius Severus in 211 CE, as a Roman emperor, reportedly requested that his cooks prepare dishes beginning with the same letter for dinner.
