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.

Warrior holding dying child by leg

An ancient sculpture showing a warrior holding a dying child by the leg. Object dated to the 2nd-3rd century CE. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. Researchers have different interpretations of…Więcej

Technical advancement of Romans in terms of latrines and sewage systems

The technical advancement of the Romans in terms of latrines and sewage systems was achieved again in Europe only in the 19th century. It is believed that the first sewage system in Rome was built…Więcej

Roman fresco showing nymph Io under surveillance

Roman fresco showing the nymph Io who remains under surveillance in the temple of Hera in Argos, protecting her from the advances of Zeus. Io is shown with cattle horns. The object was discovered in…Więcej

Lions and boars on battlefield?

Lucretius – Roman poet and philosopher from the 1st century BCE – in his work De rerum natura (“On the Nature of Things”) made various philosophical and scientific considerations. He believed that early humanity used…Więcej

Roman painting showing young assistant during official ritual

Roman painting showing a young assistant during an official ritual (so-called camillus) who holds a vessel in his hands. According to Roman tradition, camillus had to be under the age of puberty and both parents…Więcej

Consuls and their funny nicknames

Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, a consul for 137 BCE, was so obese that any movement and effort over time became a great problem for him. Due to his physical condition and clumsiness on the battlefield, he…Więcej

Sulla’s divine guide

The Roman politician Lucius Cornelius Sulla Felix, also known as Sulla, lived from 138-78 BCE. In the history of Rome, he went down as one of the most controversial figures of the Roman Republic. As…Więcej

Galen – expert in human anatomy

Galen (Aelius Galenus) was a Roman physician of Greek descent, who lived in the 2nd century CE he was regarded in his time as a great expert on human anatomy. Roman law forbade autopsies from…Więcej

Roman mosaic showing Oedipus killing his father Laius

Roman mosaic showing Oedipus killing his father Laius, king of Thebes, driving a chariot. Object dated to the 1st century CE. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

Self-immolation was practiced in antiquity

Self-immolation was a way of taking one’s own life that had been used since ancient times. Most often it showed the courage of the unfortunate and expressed a kind of protest against injustice. Already in…Więcej

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