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Curiosities of ancient Rome
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.
Baths in “gold” of Caligula
Emperor Caligula (ruled CE 37-41) made history primarily as an orgy lover. However, he had other interests as well, such as bathing in piles of gold coins – as Suetonius told us.
Roman tombstone of Marcus Valerius Celerinus
Roman tombstone of Marcus Valerius Celerinus, Roman soldier of the Legio X Gemina Pia Fidelis. The tombstone was commissioned by his wife, Marcia Procula. Celerinus was originally from southern Spain, however a tombstone was discovered in Cologne, Germany, suggesting that he settled there after his retirement. Currently, the object is located in the Romisch-Germanisches Museum.
Domitian and fears about assassination
Emperor Domitian, despite his initially peaceful rule, became very suspicious over time. He was almost always accompanied by a guard. He covered the walls of his palace with shiny stone (the so-called fengit) so that he could see what was happening behind his back thanks to the gloss.
Coin in honor of victory at Actium
Roman coin was minted in honour of Octavian Augustus’ victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra in the battle of Actium in 31 BCE. Octavian and his friend and commander Marcus Agrippa are depicted on the obverse. On the reverse, there is a crocodile pinned to a palm branch, which symbolizes the joining of Egypt with Rome.
Different opinions about Nero
Already ancient s had different opinions about Emperor Nero; some even gave some “positive” feedback. When asked by the flatterers, the philosopher Apollonius of Tyana replied, “I think of him better than you, for you think he should sing and mine should be silent”1.
Holy water in antiquity
Holy water is associated with the Christian faith. It is used in baptisms, blessing and expelling evil. Few, however, realize that the holy springs occurred in other religions, including the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Roman wall fresco depicting Silenus and fight of Amor with Pan
Roman wall fresco depicting Silenus, the god of nature, watching Amor and Pan fighting each other. The struggle itself is interpreted as a rivalry between love and desire. The object adorned the walls of the Meleager House in Pompeii. Currently, the artefact is in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. Fresco is dated to the 1st century CE.
Roman multiplication table and counting lesson
In ancient Rome, students learned the multiplication table by repeating after the teacher the words: bis bina quattuor – decantare, which means “two times two, four – speak”.
Guardian of lion on Roman mosaic
Roman mosaic showing a man who was probably the guardian of a lion. The mosaic adorned a Roman villa in Nennig, in southwest Germany.
