Curiosities of ancient Rome

This page is also available in: Polish (polski)

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.

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

Calisthenics

Calisthenics, physical activity based on strength training based on exercises using your own body weight (crunches, push-ups, etc.) was already used in ancient times, e.g. by the Greeks and Romans, and one of the earliest…Więcej

Ancient votive hand with inscription

Ancient votive hand with an inscription on the inside of the wrist: “Arabiades and his brother Germanus supplicant, dedicate”. According to the researchers, the men sacrificed the object to Jupiter Dolichenus in gratitude for their…Więcej

Divorce in Roman times

Divorce in Roman times has evolved over the course of history. With the development of the Roman state, the legal norms that regulated marriage issues were transformed. From the very beginning, men had the right…Więcej

IMPERIUM ROMANUM needs your support!

If you like the content I collect on the website and share it on social media channels, I will be grateful for your support. Even the smallest amounts will allow me to pay for further corrections and improvements on the site and pay for the server.

Support IMPERIUM ROMANUM!

Discover secrets of ancient Rome!

If you want to be up to date with the newest articles on the website and discoveries from ancient Rome, subscribe to the newsletter, which is sent each Saturday.

Subscribe to newsletter!

Classic mobile version