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.

Roman decoration in shape of tiger’s muzzle

Roman decoration in the shape of a tiger’s face, which was located on the fountain. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

Octavian Augustus in ranking of influential people

In the ranking of people who had the greatest influence on the history of mankind, announced at the end of 2013, Octavian Augustus was ranked 30th place.Więcej

Auction of slaves on surviving tablets

Preserved wooden tablets from Pompeii, on which the auction of slaves from 56 CE was recorded, and which were confirmation of the transaction. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. The wooden…Więcej

Crucified lions by Romans

The Greek historian Polybius mentions that when he participated with Scipio Africanus in conquering (in 146 BCE) Carthage saw lions crucified. As it turned out, such decisions were made by the Romans. Back then, the…Więcej

2000 year old leather bikini

The nearly 2,000-year-old leather bikini on display at the Museum of London is one of four found at the Queen Victoria Street excavation site in London in 1953. Like the modern bikini bottom, it has…Więcej

Tribulus – Roman echidnas

Tribulus was a Roman weapon consisting of four sharp spikes or nails arranged in such a way that one of them always protruded vertically upwards. Such Roman spikelets were placed on a previously prepared battlefield,…Więcej

Bust of Faustina the Elder

Bust of Faustina the Elder from around 138-141 CE. The object was placed in a contemporary alabaster bust. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. Faustina was the wife of Emperor Antoninus…Więcej

Birth control under Augustus

In ancient Rome, it was realized that a high number of births guaranteed the proper development of the state and society. During the rule of Octavian Augustus (27 BCE – 14 CE), it was decided…Więcej

Roman sculpture showing Lysimachus

Roman sculpture showing Lysimachus, one of the generals of Alexander the Great. The object dates back to the 2nd century BCE. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. It is a copy…Więcej

Graffiti from Pompeii

Graffiti from Pompeii tells the story of a certain Marcus Atillus – a gladiator – who defeated Lucius Raecius Felix, the winner of 12 duels in a row. It is known that Felix survived the…Więcej

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