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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.
Sea expedition of Carthaginian admiral Hanno
Hanno was a high Carthaginian admiral who lived in the 6th or 5th centuries BCE and who commanded a sea expedition that passed through the “Pillars of Heracles” (Strait of Gibraltar) and sailed along the coast of West Africa. We know about the expedition thanks to two copies of periplus1, preserved in Greek.
Seneca the Younger and Nero
The philosopher Seneca the Younger was one of those Romans who condemned public executions and lamented the influence they had had. they are on viewers. Ironically, it was his pupil, Nero, who became famous for his immoderate cruelty, which also manifested itself in his practice of throwing Christians to lions to eat.
Mummification process on example of Fayum mummy
Animation showing the mummification process on the example of the Fayum mummy from the 1st century CE. The Egyptians used mummification to preserve the body after death.
Clash of Pyrrhus with Mamertine warrior
According to the message of Plutarch, Pyrrhus, during his return with his army from Sicily to Italy, had to deal with the Mamertine troops, which attacked him fiercely. It is said that Pyrrhus, as was his habit, actively participated in the fighting. Unfortunately, however, he received a blow to the head and had to withdraw from the battlefield. Then one of the mighty Mamertine warriors began to mock the king of Epirus, thus provoking him to a duel.
Evolution of patronage in late Roman Empire
In Roman society, the existence of a patron-client relationship was common. Most often, a poor citizen or a liberator submitted to a higher-ranking Roman who, through his position and property, could act in favour of the client. In return, the client was the patron’s support and support, e.g. during elections. Moreover, having many clients aroused respect and strengthened the position of the patron in society. In the 4th century CE however, patronage (patrocinium) changed and the patron-client relationship began to hit the state directly.
Elagabalus the joker
Emperor Elagabalus made exceptional jokes to his friends. He locked drunk people in one room with lions, leopards or bears, from which he previously removed fangs and claws (the so-called exarmati).
Only bucket preserved from Roman times
The only bucket made of wood that has survived from Roman times. The characteristic spout allowed the liquid to be poured out easily. The object was aboard a river ship sunk 1,800 years ago on the Rhine.
