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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.
The ruins of Pompeii with the section (regiones V) visible that has not yet been excavated. There are still undiscovered places in the Pompeii Archaeological Park before archaeologists. These are mainly districts (regiones): V, IV, IX, III and part of I. The main problem, as always, is not enough money.
When visiting Pompeii, Oplontis, Boscoreale or Stabiae, it is worth equipping yourself with appropriate materials in advance. On the Pompeii Archaeological Park website (http://pompeiisites.org ) we will find maps and helpful materials that we can print out before the visit, and which will be invaluable help during sightseeing. It is worth mentioning that the materials are regularly updated.
After the ancient city of Pompeii was destroyed and covered with a huge amount of pyroclastic material from Vesuvius in 79 CE, the reigning emperor Titus Flavius immediately decided to support the surviving inhabitants.
Preserved Roman coins from Herculaneum, which are made of silver and bronze. The object is on display in Herculaneum. The coins probably merged as a result of the high temperature of the pyroclastic flow.
Roman oil lamp from c. 75-125 CE in the shape of a comic mask showing a slave with a wicked and mocking expression on his face. The Roman sense of humour was based on mockery and used bawdy and rude phrases in-jokes.
Roman mosaic of a dog on a leash; discovered in Pompeii. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples and dates back to the 1st century CE. Before entering the house, the Romans often placed signs with the inscription Cave Canem (“Beware of the dog”) or mosaics with the image of a dog; in this way, attempts were made to discourage robbers from sneaking into the house.
Roman marble sculpture showing the philosopher Socrates. The object is dated to the mid-1st century CE and is a copy of a Greek original from the 4th century BCE. The artifact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
Roman fresco showing Dionysus (Bacchus) and Maenad (Bacchae), the companion of the god of wine. Also visible in the scene is a young Satyr and Silenus with a zither. Wine is poured from a vessel (rython) which is licked off by the panther. Object dated to the mid-1st century CE; discovered in Pompeii. The artefact is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
Roman tombstone of a gladiator named Lupercus, which was financed by his wife Theodora. The man was a gladiator of type thraex, as evidenced by his visualization.
