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.

Unique columns in Roman architecture

Almost everyone knows the Ionian, Doric and Corinthian orders. However, there are numerous examples of columns not adhering to any of these Greek styles in the architecture of ancient Rome. Aside from simple modifications and…Więcej

Partridge with mirror on basket

Roman mosaic showing a partridge lifting a mirror from a basket. The object is dated to the first half of the 1st century BCE. Artifact found in the Labyrinth House in Pompeii; it is now…Więcej

Slave like animal

A slave in ancient times is a captive man, considered a subsistence animal because it benefits the owner. The food expenditures allocated to him are returned with the use of the slave’s energy and work.…Więcej

Temple of Jupiter in Heliopolis

A rich spectre of ancient Roman architectural achievements is reflected all over the Empire’s former territory. The largest ever-built Roman temple is located in today’s Lebanon, in the Bekaa Valley. The temple of Jupiter in…Więcej

Roman fresco showing copulating couple

Roman fresco showing a copulating couple. The painting was part of a larger composition in one of the bedrooms (cubiculum). Object dated to the 1st century CE; possibly found in Villa Arianna in Stabiae. The…Więcej

Baths – place of meetings of Romans

Roman thermal baths were certainly one of the favourite places where a Roman could relax his body. Tepidarium was probably the first place visited by bathers and was a kind of introduction to further hot…Więcej

First plebeian emperor

Pertinax was the first emperor (January 1, 193 – March 28, 193 CE) of plebeian origin. He was the son of a freedman trading in timber. He made a career in the army, where he…Więcej

Bernice, beloved of caesar Titus

Roman Empire was lucky to have unusual female characters. And although not all of them became empresses, they were often remembered by History. This was the case with caesar Titus, son of Vespasian, a descendant…Więcej

Church wealth

After gaining a dominant role in the Roman world, the ecclesiastical hierarchy moved away from propagated poverty. Churches turned into expensive palaces and bishops into wealthy patricians. The contradiction between the teaching of Christ and…Więcej

Roman priest depicted in fresco

Roman priest depicted in a fresco. The man holds a crown of roses and a snake in his hands. The painting was discovered in the Temple of Isis in Pompeii. The artifact is in the…Więcej

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