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 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.Więcej

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…Więcej

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.Więcej

Epic work of Nero

According to historian Cassius Dio, Nero decided to write a huge, epic work about Roman history. Only one question occupied his mind – how long should this work be? Some advised him to make the…Więcej

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…Więcej

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. The Roman historian – Cassius Dio mentions that the emperor…Więcej

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.Więcej

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.…Więcej

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.Więcej

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. Geta’s…Więcej

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