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 tablet with inscription – “may the earth rest lightly on you”

Preserved Roman plaque with an inscription commemorating the deceased, on which the words known to us are placed: “may the earth rest lightly on you”. Written on a stone in Latin: “Sit tibi terra levis”.…Więcej

Decimus Furius Octavius Secundus – example of career in Roman army

An interesting inscription from Philippi (Greece) has been preserved to our times, describing the life and military service of a certain Decimus Furius Octavius Secundus. He was a Roman soldier in the first half of…Więcej

Marble bust of a man

Marble bust of a man, possibly over the age of 40. Object dated to the 1st century CE; currently on display at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.Więcej

Navigable canal for Nicomedia

Pliny the Younger began his clerk career under Emperor Domitian, but withdrew from public life, discouraged by the universal terror. He returned to politics under Emperor Trajan, who trusted him and entrusted him with the…Więcej

People of Cantabri

Strabo, a Greek geographer and historian from the 1st century BCE in his work Geography mentions the people of Cantabria with whom Rome was at war in the years 29-19 BCE They were finally defeated…Więcej

Lucius Cornelius Sulla began his political career thanks to courtesan

The later dictator of the Roman republic, Lucius Cornelius Sulla, also known as Felix because of his allegedly favourable fortune throughout his life, could start a political career thanks to his acquaintance with a person…Więcej

Tombstone of centurion who was in army for 61 years

In today’s Hungary, in Aquincum (today’s Budapest), a tombstone inscription of an officer named Aelius Silvanus, who was a centurion of the legion II Adiutrix, was discovered. This legion was founded by Vespasian in 70…Więcej

Beautifully preserved Roman marble relief

Beautifully preserved Roman marble relief that dates back to the 1st century CE. This type of decoration was often found in private gardens of Roman houses. The stone shows Menada, the worshiper of Dionysus (Bacchus)…Więcej

Roman and Latin colonies

In addition to the Roman colonies being strategic hubs, whose inhabitants were full Roman citizens, so-called Latin colonies whose inhabitants did not have full political rights. The Latin colonies had autonomy and were obliged to…Więcej

Roman golden ring with parrot

Roman gold ring with engraved parrot in green chalcedony. Scientists believe that the parrot belongs to the species rose-ringed parakeet – a bird that occurs, among others in India and which Alexander the Great had…Więcej

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