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.

“Phalangarii” of Emperor Caracalla

The son of Septimius Severus, Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, known by the nickname Caracalla, after the Gallic coat he willingly wore, was greatly fascinated by the figure of king Alexander III of Macedon. His fascination was…Więcej

Domitian’s disobedience

Domitian was nearly 18 when his father was proclaimed emperor by the legions in the east, and his brother Titus suppressed the Jewish uprising. For several months before his father came to the capital, the…Więcej

When did gladiator fights end?

Although gladiator fights were officially banned by Constantine the Great in the year 325 CE they were held until 404 CE. That year, on January 1, the Western Roman Emperor Honorius finally and irrevocably abolished…Więcej

War between Rome and Kingdom of Kush

Kingdom of Kush, which was located in what is now Sudan, was a country similar in culture and religion to ancient Egypt. During the reign of the kandake (or queen) Amanirenas (reigned c. 40-10 BCE),…Więcej

Pears in Roman cuisine

Pears were known and used in ancient Rome. Pliny the Elder states that there were 41 known varieties of pear, each of which had a different taste, appearance and name. They were known, for example…Więcej

Roman attempt to conquer kingdom of Sheba

In 25 BCE Egypt’s prefect Gaius Aelius Gallus began a military expedition to subjugate Rome to the Arab kingdom of Sheba. It was located on the territory of modern Yemen, and therefore was an ideal…Więcej

Mithridates VI – victim of Roman imperialism?

In Roman sources, Mithridates VI Eupator appears to us as the leader of the wars that the Romans had to wage for about 25 years in the East. Mithridates was to strive to create a…Więcej

Lex Annalis – regulation of cursus honorum

Lex Annalis was the law which decisively regulated the order of office (cursus honourum) in the Roman Republic. Moreover, it set the minimum age that a Roman citizen must have had to apply for a…Więcej

About Lucius Licinius Lucullus

Lucius Licinius Lucullus (117 – 56 BCE), is a somewhat forgotten figure. He lived in interesting times, which is why many mentions of him have been preserved by various authors. A great commander, and at…Więcej

Fresco from Pompeii showing feast

Roman fresco depicting the feast. Object found at Casa dei Casti Amanti (IX 12, 6-8) in Pompeii.Więcej

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