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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.
In ancient Rome, the water supply system was managed by officials known as curatores aquarum. These were senators of consular rank, appointed by the emperor, responsible for overseeing the construction, maintenance and operation of the city’s aqueducts and water distribution networks. Their duties also included enforcing water laws, preventing illegal connections and resolving disputes related to access to water.
Preserved objects show that the ancient Romans were excellent craftsmen, working with a variety of materials: from leather, fabrics, wood to metal and glass.
Ius trium liberorum (“law of three children”) was a privilege introduced by Emperor Augustus (ruled 27 BCE – 14 CE) as part of his social and demographic reforms. Its aim was to increase the number of births in the Roman state, which was struggling with population decline after years of civil wars. It was established in 18 BCE as part of the reforms contained in the Lex Iulia de Maritandis Ordinibus and Lex Papia Poppaea laws.
In ancient Rome, bird’s nest hairstyles were especially popular during the reign of the Flavian dynasty (69-96 CE) and the late empire. Roman women, especially those from the aristocracy, experimented with their hair, creating impressive structures with numerous weaves and curls.
Medicamina Faciei Femineae, or “Cosmetics for the Female Face”, is a fascinating treatise written by Ovid, one of the most famous poets of ancient Rome. This is a work that reflects the ancient approach to female beauty. It is a poetic facial care instruction. Interestingly, this text can be considered one of the first cosmetology magazines in literature.
Nowadays, street names and house numbers are used to identify a place of residence. It is a simple and effective system, but the ancient Romans did not use it. In small towns, finding a given house by a stranger might not have been a big challenge. Such a person was certainly helped by local residents and guided him accordingly.
In ancient Rome, the concepts of otium (rest) and negotium (work) formed the foundation of social and personal life, especially among the elite. It was otium post negotium – “rest after work” – that symbolized the balance that a person should maintain to live harmoniously. Otium was crucial in shaping the Romans’ culture, philosophy and everyday life.
Frumentatio was one of the most important food distribution programs in ancient Rome, which played a key role in ensuring the social and political stability of the empire. It consisted of distributing free or subsidized grain (mainly unmilled wheat) to the Roman population, especially in Rome itself, where the problem of hunger could lead to riots and destabilization of the political scene.
Calceus is a typical Roman shoe that played a key role not only as foot protection but also as a marker of social position. It was a shoe that covered the entire foot, tied at the ankle and at the front, made of durable leather, often dyed in characteristic colours reflecting the status of its owner.
In ancient Rome, the term “negotium” meant professional activity, both in the economic and political sense. It was the opposite of “otium” – free time devoted to rest, reflection or cultural life. Negotium played a key role in shaping the social and economic structure of the Roman Empire, as the Romans viewed work not only as a means of earning a living but also as a way to pursue ambition and gain prestige.
