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.

Differentiation of species in antiquity

Distinguishing species of animals similar to each other, for example, all kinds of felids (and biodiversity was then, i.e. in the times of Pliny the Elder much greater than it is now), posed many difficulties.…Więcej

Flower bulbs – delicacy in ancient times

In ancient times, flower bulbs were widely used as medicine and an aphrodisiac. Interestingly, ancient people also often ate them; however, it was a delicacy of the upper classes. The most popular was sea onion,…Więcej

Partridges in world of Romans

Ancient Romans valued partridge meat very much. The partridge was an expensive bird, however. Martial mentions it in his “Epigrams”, which says that only the rich could afford them. Interestingly, however, preserved eggshells were found…Więcej

Constantine – good as Christian?

Constantine the Great, as he was officially the first Christian emperor, is seen today as a good ruler. It should be emphasized, however, that he had many lives on his conscience. In Constantine’s biography, you…Więcej

Roman gynecological speculum and others

Item number 15 in the exhibition is a Roman gynecological speculum (speculum magnum matricis). Greco-Roman writers mention that medics recommended the use of such an instrument in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the…Więcej

Constantine’s domination

Constantine the Great after assuming imperial power tried in every possible way to emphasize his dominant position. A huge statue of the emperor was set up in Rome, the surviving fragments of which (head and…Więcej

Theatrical masks in antiquity

The only ancient source of information about masks that were used in ancient times during theatrical performances is Julius Pollux, a Greek scientist from the 3rd century CE, who wrote the work Onomasticon. In his…Więcej

Different types of Roman keys

Different types of Roman keys. The artifacts are in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. Thanks to the excavations carried out in Pompeii and Herculaneum scientists could better understand the everyday life of ancient Romans.…Więcej

Crates of Mallos – creator of first globe

Crates of Mallos, the Greek Stoic philosopher and grammarian of the ruler of Pergamon, is known as the creator of the first globe (c. 150 BCE) – a spherical model of the Earth. His globe…Więcej

Burning mountains of Pliny

I really enjoy reading “Natural History” by Gaius Pliny, an extraordinary Roman with versatile interests and many talents, who lived under the reign of the most famous emperors: Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Vespasian and Titus.…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