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.

Monument to Emperor Antoninus Pius near Wrocław

In the town of Magnice (commune of Kobierzyce) in the suburbs of Wroclaw, a new street has been named after a Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. A monument to his adoptive father and predecessor on the…Więcej

Roman mosaic with parrot

Roman mosaic with a parrot, dating from the 2nd century BCE; currently in the collection of the Pergamon Museum (Berlin, Germany). In ancient Rome, parrots were considered extremely exotic and luxurious pets. They were imported…Więcej

Roman fresco showing flying bird

Roman fresco depicting a flying bird. The scene is part of a larger composition from Pompeii. The Romans placed great importance on realistically depicting animals in their frescoes. Artists strived to faithfully capture the body…Więcej

Donkeys – inconspicuous co-creators of empires

When we think of the animals that have most influenced the fate of humanity, we likely first place horses – after all, it was on their backs that armies, rulers, and ultimately, multitudes of ordinary…Więcej

Shrimp on Roman ring

Roman gold ring with a cameo depicting a shrimp. The object dates to the 2nd century CE. In ancient Rome, shrimp were considered a luxury delicacy, served primarily during lavish feasts of the aristocracy. Shrimp…Więcej

Roman fresco depicting Victoria

Roman fresco depicting Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory. Dating back to the 1st century CE, it is currently located at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, USA.Więcej

Roman mosaic that survived earthquake

An 800-square-meter Roman mosaic discovered in Antioch, southern Turkey, retains the rippling marks of an ancient earthquake without disturbing its design. The piece was discovered in 2012.Więcej

Roman floor with drawing of phallus

Roman floor with a drawing of a phallus. The object is located at the Archaeological Museum in Zadar, Croatia. In Roman culture, the phallus was a symbol of fertility, virility, and life force, as well…Więcej

Roman vessel in shape of bear

Roman vessel in shape of bear. Dating back to the 3rd or 4th century CE, it was likely filled with oil or perfume. The artifact is located at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in the…Więcej

Bronze hand of Jupiter Dolichenus

Bronze hand of Jupiter Dolichenus, an enigmatic deity whose cult spread from Syria throughout the Roman Empire. The object is 22.5 cm long and was likely part of a statue of the deity. The artifact…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