Curiosities of ancient Rome

This page is also available in: Polish (polski)

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.

Who decided about punishment for murderer in early Rome?

According to the original social rules in ancient Rome, it was the family of the victim who chose the type of punishment for the murderer. We do not have any written laws, in the set…Więcej

Roman floor mosaic showing Medusa

Roman floor mosaic showing Medusa, a mythical monster who turned people to stone with her eyes. Object dated to the 1st century CE; discovered in Pompeii. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in…Więcej

Roman ram with rider with bells attached to it

Roman ram with rider with bells attached to it. The object comes from Pompeii. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

Golden milestone (Milliarium Aureum)

Emperor Octavian Augustus loved order in his country. For this purpose, he commissioned the construction of the so-called “golden milestone” (Milliarium Aureum) near the Temple of Saturn in the central part of the Roman Forum.…Więcej

Rapist did not have easy life

In ancient Rome, a rapist had his testicles crushed with two stones. In ancient Rome, rape – unless it was committed by the rulers – was punished severely. The victim was given a hammer and…Więcej

Why did Romans use “crooked” dice to play?

Two researchers of ancient items believe they may have solved the mystery of why people living during the Roman Empire used “crooked” dice in their games. In their article published in the journal Archaeological and…Więcej

Roman fresco showing sexual act

Roman fresco showing a sexual act. Object dated to the 1st century CE; possibly found in Villa Arianna in Stabiae. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

Great fratricidal fight

Period of civil wars of the 1st century BCE was a time of a great fratricidal struggle between the very citizens of Rome. As Marcus Favonius, Cato’s friend, noted: “Civil war was worse than the…Więcej

Roman relief with phallus

Roman relief with a phallus and the inscription “hic habitat felicitas”, meaning “happiness lives here”. The object was located above the entrance to the bakery in Pompeii. Artifact dated to the 1st century CE and…Więcej

Roman camp – work of soldier

Roman camp (castrum Romanum) was characterized by excellent workmanship. It was built of wood, and the work force was legionnaires. It should be noted that the Romans were characterized by excellent building skills. The Roman…Więcej

IMPERIUM ROMANUM needs your support!

If you like the content I collect on the website and share it on social media channels, I will be grateful for your support. Even the smallest amounts will allow me to pay for further corrections and improvements on the site and pay for the server.

Support IMPERIUM ROMANUM!

Discover secrets of ancient Rome!

If you want to be up to date with the newest articles on the website and discoveries from ancient Rome, subscribe to the newsletter, which is sent each Saturday.

Subscribe to newsletter!

Classic mobile version