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.

Wild animals from all over Empire

Introducing and killing wild animals for entertainment in amphitheatres or for expensive ivory or fur has led to a significant decline in species numbers across the Empire. As early as 50 BCE, Cicero, as governor…Więcej

Roman relief showing tropaion

Roman relief showing tropaion. The tropaion was a form of military monument, erected by the Greeks and Romans in honour of the victory in battle. It was usually a vertical pole in the shape of…Więcej

What did greats of ancient world hide under their pillows?

Plutarch in his work (“Life of Alexander”, 8) mentions that Alexander the Great kept a special copy of the “Iliad” under his pillow while sleeping, with Aristotle’s commentaries. This was largely due to the love…Więcej

Vespasian – miracle worker

Roman sources describe the story that Vespasian was asked for help by two men shortly after assuming the imperial office: one blind, the other lame. This event was supposed to take place in Alexandria between…Więcej

Roman statue showing Silenus

Roman statue showing Silenus. Silenus was one of Bacchus’ (Greek Dionysus) companions and his teacher; he was the god of nature. The object was part of a fountain and was located in the House of…Więcej

Certain Calvisius Sabinus

Seneca the Younger, a Roman philosopher and writer from the 1st century CE, mentions in his letters Calvisius Sabinus – a wealthy and respected Roman who had such a bad memory that he couldn’t even…Więcej

Plaster cast of body

Plaster cast of the body of a person who died as a result of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE. The object is located in a glass box in the atrium of the so-called…Więcej

Selenite – valued material

In ancient Rome, selenite (referred to as lapis specularis, meaning “mirror stone”) was a valued mineral. Pliny the Elder emphasized the advantages of this mineral, which could be cut into thin layers through which light…Więcej

Roman statue showing young deer

Roman statue showing a young deer. The object is made of bronze and was discovered in the Villa of the Papyrus in Herculaneum. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

Punishment for himself

Emperor Julian the Apostate (reigned 361-363 CE) went down in history as a sensible and righteous Roman ruler. He became famous, among others, for his actions to eliminate bureaucracy and improve the rule of law.…Więcej

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