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.

Romans loved chariot racing

Alongside the gladiatorial fights, the Romans also loved chariot racing. The fans were divided into specific factions (factiones), depending on the colours. In Rome, four such fan clubs were classically distinguished: red (russata), green (prasina),…Więcej

Only free-born Roman men were allowed to wear toga

Only free-born Roman men were allowed to wear the toga (symbol of citizenship). Putting on a toga was a difficult, not to say burdensome activity. The strip of fabric was folded lengthwise, one end was…Więcej

Romans were extremely hygienic

The Romans (especially those from high society) were extremely careful about hygiene. They didn’t use soap though. To obtain clean and healthy skin, perfumed oils were used and then scraped with a tool called strigil.…Więcej

Marriages in Rome were made of sense

Most Roman marriages (especially in the above sphere) were entered into out of reason, not love. Political rivals, through the union of their children, could forge a lasting alliance between the houses and pursue politics…Więcej

Roman woman who got married still belonged to her father’s family

Under Roman law, the woman who got married was still in her father’s family (but that was not the rule) and not just the spouse. With the divorce, she lost parental rights over children who…Więcej

Man ruled in Roman house

A man ruled the Roman house, but he often entrusted his wife with some duties, for example, looking after the treasury or managing slaves. Traditionally, it was considered that the only work a free woman…Więcej

Roman women did not have unique names

Roman women did not have unique names. They usually took the female form of the family name. This is how Julia came from the Julius family, and for example, the daughter of Marcus Tullius Cicero…Więcej

Hair coloring was popular among Roman women

Hair dyeing was extremely popular among Roman women. The most famous colours were red, black and blonde. The latter was popular thanks to the Germans and Gauls with whom the Romans began to come into…Więcej

Lack of slave equated to poverty

In ancient Rome, not having at least one slave meant living in poverty. It is worth mentioning that about 25% of the population of ancient Rome was enslaved at the end of the existence of…Więcej

Romans approached magic very seriously

As it turns out, the Romans took magic very seriously, because they even regulated its use legally in their famous 12 tables. There was Roman law (found in the famous Law of XII tables) that forbade…Więcej

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