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.

Roman portrait of Alexander Severus

Roman portrait of Alexander Severus, also known as Alexianus Bassianus, who was the last emperor of the Severan line. On the throne of Rome, he succeeded his cousin Elagabalus, who died as a result of…Więcej

Term “Eternal City”

Name “Eternal City” (Urbs aeterna) was finally given to Rome by Emperor Hadrian, but he had already used it before 1st-century writer Tibullus in “Elegies”. Even Ovid and Livy mentioned the eternity of Rome. After…Więcej

Reconstruction of scroll case

Reconstruction of a cylindrical case made of leather for papyrus scrolls (capsa). Few Roman works on papyrus have survived to our times, especially in Latin. This is due to the fact that papyrus was produced…Więcej

Roman Empire and North America

Comparison of the area of the Roman Empire and the North American continent. The map shows the Roman Empire around 117 CE, when the lands under Roman rule stretched from Egypt to Britain. It is…Więcej

Suovetaurilia – sacrifice

In ancient Rome, the ritual suovetaurilia was practised, consisting in sacrificing to the god of war, Mars a pig (sus), sheep (ovis) and a bull (taurus). In this way, they wanted to gain his support and…Więcej

Trees next to roads

In ancient Rome, trees were planted along the roads, mainly pines and cypresses. Thus, travellers and merchants could stop and rest in the shade of the sun.Więcej

Caligula’s disease

Most historians agree that epilepsy is the most likely candidate for Caligula’s disease. There are several details in Caligula’s biography that support this argument. It is suggested that members of Julius’ family suffered from epilepsy.…Więcej

Roman painting showing Heron

Roman painting showing Heron – the Egyptian god – who was identified with Horus and attributed to him the role of restorer and guardian of justice. In the painting, Heron was shown dressed as a…Więcej

Rare Roman painting showing woman

Preserved in poor condition, one of the few Roman paintings in a frame. The antique painting shows a portrait of a woman made on wood and placed in a wooden frame. Much of the paint…Więcej

Gaius Lelius Sapiens and reform of agricultural land law

Gaius Lalius Sapiens was a Roman politician in the mid-2nd century BCE and friend of the famous Roman leader Scipio Africanus the Younger – the conqueror of Carthage in 146 BCE. Lelius received his nickname…Więcej

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