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.

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

Bust of Roman man from reign of Trajan

Marble bust of a Roman man from the reign of Trajan (98-117 CE). The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.Więcej

Calgacus the Caledonian

Calgacus was the first Caledonian (inhabitant of present-day Scotland) mentioned in Roman sources. Tacitus describes him as the leader of the Caledons, a man of self-respect and an excellent orator. He had red hair and…Więcej

Roman fresco showing young man with large nose

Roman fresco showing a young man with a large nose. Object dated to the 1st century CE. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, and it was discovered in Pompeii.Więcej

Sex is good for everything

Pliny the Elder, Roman historian and writer of the 1st century CE, became famous for his work “Natural History” (Naturalis historia). In his work, he presents universal methods of dealing with ailments. According to Pliny…Więcej

Roman relief showing satyr

Roman relief showing a satyr, a mythological creature who was supposed to accompany Dionysus (Bacchus) in the retinue. The object is dated to the 1st century BCE and was discovered in Pompeii. The artifact is…Więcej

Round or square formation

Roman legion (or individual legion units) when defending, when things went too far and the enemy was gaining the upper hand, they adopted defensive formations like orbis – a circle or agmen quadratum – a…Więcej

Ancient sculpture showing Greek strategist

An ancient sculpture showing a Greek strategist. The marble object was discovered in Herculaneum and is dated to the 1st century CE. It is probably a copy of a Greek original from the 5th century…Więcej

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