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.

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

Roman cursive

On the tombstone visible in the photo I came across in the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. The full Latin text reads: D(is) M(anibus) / T(ito) Fl(avio) Vero Aug(usti) / lib(erto) tab(ulario) rat(ionis) / aquarior(um) co(n)/iugi…Więcej

Duel to end the war?

In the years 421-422, the Eastern Roman Empire waged another war with the Sassanid State. The troops, led by magister militum per orientem Ardabur, entered Persian Mesopotamia but were quickly driven back by superior Persian…Więcej

Fimbrian legions

In 67 BCE Lucius Licinius Lucullus was recalled to Rome, and Pompey the Great became the commander of the Roman armies fighting in the east. Lucullus was disliked by the soldiers for being stingy and…Więcej

Lucullus’ feasts

The famous phrase “Lucullus’ feasts” comes from the name of a Roman leader and politician from the 1st century BCE Lucinius Lucullus (117-56 BCE), who had a reputation as a gourmet. He was sometimes described…Więcej

Farthest part of Roman Empire

After hearing the slogan “the farthest part of the Roman Empire”, most of us will probably think of wild Britain or Mesopotamia, conquered for a moment by Trajan. However, modern discoveries have shown that the…Więcej

Amazing amphitheater of Scribonius Curio

Pliny the Elder mentions a certain amazing amphitheatre of Scribonius Curio, erected in 52 BCE. He caused to be erected, close together, two theatres of very large dimensions, and built of wood, each of them…Więcej

Caligula in arena

Emperor Caligula (reigned 37-41 CE) went down in history as one of the worst rulers of the Roman Empire. Many stories about him arose in the works of writers who came from senatorial circles. Among…Więcej

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