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.

Bust of emperor Tiberius

Bust of emperor Tiberius (reigned 14-37 CE), made of marble, which is in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. The head of the sculpture is dated to around 40 CE, and the rest of the…Więcej

Marble round Roman table

A marble round Roman table that was found in Pompeii. The object was discovered in the so-called House of Epigrams and is dated to the 1st century CE. The table leg did not originally belong…Więcej

Too many rose petals

According to Suetonius, during one of the feasts in Nero’s “Golden House”, one of the guests suffocated after the hall was flooded with huge amounts of rose petals. Nero’s engineers Celer and Severus have created…Więcej

Ruins of Pompeii with section not yet excavated

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,…Więcej

Extremely useful materials before visiting Pompeii, Oplontis, Boscoreale or Stabiae

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…Więcej

Fate of Pompeii after eruption of Vesuvius

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. According…Więcej

Preserved Roman coins from Herculaneum

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.Więcej

Roman oil lamp

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…Więcej

Roman mosaic depicting dog on leash

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…Więcej

Roman marble sculpture of Socrates

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…Więcej

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