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.

Syagrius – king of Romans

Syagrius (430-486 or 487 CE) was a Roman commander and the last governor (dux) of Gaul – called by the surrounding barbarian tribes “king of the Romans 1 Historians are very skeptical that Syagrius had…Więcej

Roman tombstone commemorating legionary standard-bearer Lucius Duccius Rufinus

Roman tombstone commemorating the legionary standard-bearer Lucius Duccius Rufinus. The man died at the age of 28 after serving an unknown number of years in the army. The object was discovered in the city centre…Więcej

Invasions of Getae and Dacians

Dacians and Getae were related barbarian tribes that had rivalled the Romans many times throughout history. They inhabited the territory of present-day Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia and even Ukraine. Their greatest advantage was sudden…Więcej

Death of emperor Augustus

In ancient Rome, the brutal, violent death of the ruler was inscribed in the logic of power to such an extent that today it is often said that the profession of “emperor” was the most…Więcej

Roman sculpture showing Octavian Augustus

Roman sculpture showing Octavian Augustus. The object is dated to the 2nd century CE. According to the researchers, the object actually depicted a young man, but it was later adopted to represent the first emperor…Więcej

Method Ruina Montium

This is what is left of a mountain massif in Spain after the method Ruina Montium was used by the Romans. With the help of slaves, tunnels were dug in the mountain, through which the…Więcej

Roman mosaic showing cockfight

Roman mosaic showing a cockfight. The scene shows an injured, bleeding rooster (right) bowing its head as a gesture of submission. On the right, we see the broken owner of a defeated rooster, who probably…Więcej

Eagle – symbol of Rome

In Rome, the symbol of Rome – the eagle – was often shown accompanied by a serpent. They symbolized good in the form of an eagle triumphing over evil, which was represented by a snake.…Więcej

Roman boiler in shape of defensive walls

Roman boiler, in the shape of defensive walls, used to heat water. Object dated to the 1st century CE. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

Investment in equipment

During the principate period, at least until the late 2nd century CE, new legionaries generally “bought” equipment from the army – they were given things from the legionary resource, and their cost was deducted from…Więcej

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