Curiosities of ancient Rome (Society)
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How did you find yourself on streets of ancient Rome?
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 ... Read more
“Otium post negotium” – Roman’s rest after work
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 ... Read more
Frumentatio – distribution of grain in ancient Rome
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 ... Read more
Calceus – Roman boot
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 ... Read more
Negotium – business, work and public life in ancient Rome
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 ... Read more
“As you are Gaius, I am Gaia” – well-known Roman phrase
The phrase “As you are Gaius, I am Gaia” (Ubi tu Gaius, ibi ego Gaia) is one of the most symbolic sayings related to marriage in ancient Rome. Historical context This phrase was used as part of a wedding ritual ... Read more
Midwives of ancient Rome
In ancient Rome, midwives (obstetrices) played a key role in society, being not only specialists in the field of obstetrics but also women’s guides in one of the most important moments of their lives – the birth of a child. ... Read more
Family in ancient Rome
The entire life of Roman citizens revolved around the city on the one hand and around the family (familia) on the other. The word meant a little more than family. It included all the inhabitants of the house: parents, children, ... Read more
Sumptuariae leges – laws regulating lavish lifestyle of Romans
Sumptuariae leges were laws that were intended to regulate expenses and limit luxuries in Roman society. These acts concerned, among others, clothing, food, lavish celebrations, or the number of servants that could be kept. The purpose of these regulations was ... Read more
What was fibula in ancient Rome?
In ancient Rome, a fibula was a type of decorative pin, used mainly as a fastener for clothing such as tunics or coats. It was an important element of the wardrobe, serving both a practical and decorative function. Key features ... Read more
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