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The world of ancient Romans abounded in a number of amazing curiosities and information. The source of knowledge about the life of the Romans are mainly works left to us by ancient writers or discoveries. The Romans left behind a lot of strange information and facts that are sometimes hard to believe.
Carrodunum was the name of the city mentioned in Ptolemy’s “Geography” (II, 11, 29) identified with today’s Cracow. The origin of the name is Celtic, as indicated by the particle dunum derived from the Celtic languages and meaning the city.
Manumission of a slave was referred to in ancient Rome as manumissio (literally “releasing from hand”). Originally, this practice took place in a public place, usually in front of a judge. The owner then touched the slave’s head with his walking stick and let him go. In practice, however, such occasions were held in the group of family and friends, and the slave would eat dinner with the family for which he was serving.
Stone of Carausius is a preserved stone from the end of the 3rd century CE, on which the name of the usurper Carausius was engraved. Interestingly, at the other end of the stone is the name of Emperor Constantine. After the fall of Carausius, his name was removed from public places (damnatio memoriae), and the stone was simply turned over and his inscription was hidden.
Lycurgus Cup (also known as the Lycurgus chalice) is an example of the advancement of Roman culture. Depending on the angle at which the sun’s rays fall on the cup, the decorations of the vessel change in different colours. When lit from the front, they are green. However, with light coming from the rear, they turn red. Thus, it can be said that the Romans were pioneers of nanotechnology!
According to ancient sources, Lucius Cornelius Sulla, after taking full power at the end of 82 BCE, began extremely bloody proscriptions against the opposition and his enemies, which claimed nearly 3,000 people. Their property was confiscated and handed over to Sulla’s supporters. According to prevailing rumours, Sulla ordered the killed victims to cut off their heads and set them up as trophies in the atrium of his house.
Small Roman glass basket that is approximately 1,800 years old. Object found in Syria.
Roman horses racing in the quadrigas were known for excellent training. The case of Emperor Claudius proves this. whose coachman fell out of the quadriga at the start. Despite the lack of a driver, they ran 7 laps and won. After the race, they obediently positioned themselves at the finish line.
Incitatus was Spain’s favourite racehorse of Emperor Caligula, whom he made consul of Rome. According to Suetonius, the animal had 18 servants for itself, he lived in a marble stable, walked in a harness decorated with precious stones and dressed in purple, and ate from an ivory manger.
