Attempt to stop vandals
Outside the cities, the Romans did not build any public toilets, so travellers in need went to the bushes. On one of the ancient Roman tombstones near Rome, there is an interesting inscription:
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Curiosities of ancient Rome (Unknown facts)
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.
Number 17 was unlucky for Romans
In Rome, the number 17 was considered an unlucky number. Anagram of this number written in Roman signs – XVII, forms the word VIXI, which in Latin means “I lived”. Until today, buildings in Italy do not have the 17th floor or room numbered.
Trajan’s uncompromising attitude in fight for Armenia
The throne of Armenia, a country at the confluence of Roman and Parthian influences, was informally consulted and established between the two then powers over the years. When in 110 CE king Osroes I of the Parthians appointed his nephew Axidares, son of former king Pacorus II, to the throne of Armenia, there was a breach of an unwritten rule, and Rome was not asked to accept the new candidacy.
Morbid obesity also occurred in Rome
Morbid obesity, considered a modern “epidemic”, also occurred naturally in ancient Rome. Galen, a Roman physician of Greek origin from the 2nd century CE, undertook the treatment of obesity.
Hadrian was not designated successor to Trajan
It is commonly believed that the reign of Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius, was a time of stabilization and peaceful transfer of power in the Roman Empire, through adoption and the choice of a sane successor. Hadrian, who took over power after the great Trajan, was not particularly favoured by him, and the adoption document could have been forged.
Doping in antiquity
In ancient times, athletes used substances to increase the body’s efficiency. Sophist Flavius Philostrat – Greek biographer from 2nd-3rd century CE – remembers that the medics gave the players a decoction of mushrooms or bread with spices and poppy extract, containing alkaloids stimulating the body.
Apparently, donuts were already loved by ancient Romans
It is said that donuts were already loved by the ancient Romans, who spent the last days of the carnival partying and eating (the so-called Bacchanalia). In this way, the departure of winter and the arrival of spring were celebrated.
Sura – faithful friend of Trajan
One of the greatest Roman emperors, Trajan, owed his military and administrative success not only to his skills but also to the people, who advised him. One of the important figures in his life was certainly Lucius Licinius Sura, comrade-in-arms, faithful friend, and trusted member of consilium – the emperor’s advisory council.
Heroes of Roman games
Roman inscriptions allow us to get to know many heroes of the Roman games. One of them was a certain Marcus Aurelius Mollicius, a Rome-born coachman who lived just 20 years.
