Curiosities of ancient Rome (Society)

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Society is a collection of curiosities dedicated to the daily life, customs, and social structure of ancient Rome. This category includes lesser-known facts and interesting information about interpersonal relationships, family, social status, work, and the functioning of various social strata of the Roman Empire.

Emperor who invented new letters: Claudius’ forgotten alphabet reform

Emperor Claudius, regarded by his contemporaries as a harmless eccentric, a stammerer, and a reclusive scholar, surprised Rome after unexpectedly coming to power in 41 CE with a decision that even many enthusiasts of antiquity…Więcej

Gladiator games under Trajan – thousands of warriors in arena

During the reign of Emperor Trajan (98-117 CE), gladiatorial games reached a massive scale. One of the most spectacular events was the games held in 113 CE, during which 2,000 gladiators fought in the arena…Więcej

Roman lead seals as trace of everyday administration

Rome is associated with legions, aqueducts, and great emperors, but the empire’s efficiency is equally revealed by small objects: seals, plaques, and stamps. Lead bullae, used to secure shipments and goods, were a small, practical…Więcej

Music-making in ancient Rome

Within the Roman aristocracy, music was considered a rather common pastime, but among ordinary people, making music, singing, and dancing were popular pastimes. Music could be heard in the theater and at feasts. It accompanied…Więcej

Myth: Romans often binged and vomited to keep eating

The image of the ancient Roman in the popular imagination – perpetuated by cinema, literature, and popular culture – is often a half-naked figure reclining in a luxurious triclinium, surrounded by wine, fruit, roasted meat,…Więcej

Praegustator – slave testing food

In ancient Rome, there was a praegustator – usually a slave- whose job was to taste food intended for important people (patricians or emperors) to make sure it wasn’t poisoned. Interestingly, Columella (the author of…Więcej

Nomenclator – slave who recalled names

In ancient Rome, there was a special type of slave called a nomenclator whose job was to remind the Roman patrician of the names of everyone he met. In a society where connections and social…Więcej

Myth: Romans always ate lying down during feasts

A common image of social life in ancient Rome is of patricians reclining on their sides in the triclinium (dining room), wine and food during long feasts. The popular imagination is that all Romans ate…Więcej

Romans wrote curses – defixiones

In ancient Rome, spells and curses were written on thin lead tablets called defixiones. The Romans used them to curse a rival for reasons of love, rivalry, or pure envy. The tablets were often placed…Więcej

Curatores aquarum – officials responsible for waterworks

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…Więcej

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