Curiosities of ancient Rome (Reconstructions)

The reconstruction shows a Roman bakery in Pompeii. The authors of the illustrations in the middle of the graphic show a slave driving a mill (pistrium) for grinding grain. We know that, however, the power of animals was also used for grinding.

Reconstruction of the ancient city of Bracara Augusta (present day Braga in northern Portugal) from the 2nd century CE. The city was founded by Octavian Augustus in around 16 BCE, after the final conquest of the region.

Reconstruction of the image of Emperor Hadrian, who ruled in 117-138 CE. Hadrian was related to Emperor Trajan – as the grandson of his aunt. When he lost his father, the future Emperor Trajan took charge of him. And so the young man climbed the career ladder; he was the commander of the troops fighting against the Dacians, later a consul to finally get the governorship of Syria. He was the third of the so-called five good emperors.

Reconstruction of the Roman theater in today’s Toulouse (southern France) from the 1st century CE. The object was able to accommodate up to 8,000 viewers, which was a large number for a city with a population of nearly 30,000.

Reconstruction of the temple of divine Caesar (Templum Divi Iulii) at Forum Romanum, between the Region, the Temple of Castors and the Aemilian Basilica, where Caesar’s body was cremated and his testament read aloud by Mark Antony.

Reconstruction of the image of queen Palmyra – Zenobia. After the death of her husband Odenatus, thanks to skilful politics, she led to a strong expansion in the region and gained full power in the eastern territories of the Roman Empire. In practice, it ruled in the years 267-272 CE. Finally, she was defeated and her usurpation ended thanks to Emperor Aurelian in 272 CE.

Reconstruction of the nymphaeum in Amman (Jordan), which was built in the 2nd century CE. It was a complex of fountains and pools for the worship of Nymphs. Researchers believe that the nymphaeum had a 600 square meter swimming pool, three meters deep. The building was a characteristic element of ancient cities and was often located in a representative place.

Model of Porta Nigra (“Black Gate”) and Roman fortifications with a photo of the preserved gate. The monument is located in Trier (Roman Augusta Trevorum) in West Germany.

Reconstruction of the Roman fort Richborough (Rutupiae) in the South East of England. Probably after the battle of Mons Graupius (83 CE), a triumphal arch was erected in the fort to commemorate the conquest of Britain. The foundations of the building and the remains of the walls have survived to this day.

A reproduction of the Roman chair of Emperor Trajan. The object is made of wrought iron with a green patina finish.