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.

Fragment of Roman fresco showing Nereid

Detail of a Roman fresco showing Nereid, a sea nymph, on a seahorse. Object dated to the 1st century CE; discovered in Stabiae. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

Roman sculpture showing Homer

Roman sculpture of Homer, the Greek poet and singer; dated to the 2nd century CE. The object is a copy of a Greek original from the 1st century BCE. The artifact is in the National…Więcej

Nero loved to perform at Games

In 64 CE Emperor Nero went to Greece for a year and a half, where, according to various rumours, earned over 1,800 victories wreaths as a charioteer, lute player, singer and actor. Normally, the games…Więcej

Gladiator had to know how to die

Gladiators were taught to kill and die stoically. Defeated, who failed to obtain the so-called missus or grace, could choose the way of death. He could kneel on the ground in front of his opponent,…Więcej

Latrine in Roman camp

According to archaeologists, in Britain, as many as 40% of Roman military camps have preserved traces of latrines. The most famous toilet is the one made of stone in Housesteads, England, at Hadrian’s wall, which…Więcej

Children’s games in ancient Rome

That the ancient Romans liked to have fun is no secret to anyone with even the faintest idea of Roman history. Great famous buildings like Flavian Amphitheater, Circus Maximus, Pompeii Amphitheater and many other lesser-known…Więcej

Good elephant rider

When having war elephants, it was extremely important to have experienced drivers of these animals, i.e. mahouts. Their task was to take care of the animal every day: feeding, watering, cleaning, and in the event…Więcej

Urine in ancient Rome

In ancient Rome, urine was a versatile and valuable commodity that had many uses, from medicine to cleaning to manufacturing. While some of these uses may seem strange or even repulsive today, it’s important to…Więcej

Aristonicus (Eumenes III) – self-proclaimed king of Pergamon

In 133 BCE, Attalus III died on the throne of the Kingdom of Pergamum (the western part of present-day Turkey). In his will, he handed over his country to Roman rule. As the Romans were…Więcej

Roman fresco showing old Silenus and Maenad

Roman fresco showing old Silenus and Maenad, who offers him a silver cup with wine. They were both companions of Bacchus, the god of wine. Object dated to the 1st century CE; it was discovered…Więcej

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