Curiosities of ancient Rome (Unknown facts)

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Unknown Facts are curiosities revealing little-known, surprising, or rarely discussed information from the world of ancient Rome and antiquity. This category includes unusual details, curiosities, and facts that offer a less obvious perspective on the Roman Empire.

Interesting facts about Augustus

The skin of Octavian Augustus was said to have many birthmarks; Suetonius even claims that they were arranged on the back and belly in the constellation of Ursa Major. In addition, Emperor August was terrified…Więcej

Roman traitor to Spartacus

When in 71 BCE Spartacus, together with the army of slaves, found himself at the very end of the Apennine Peninsula, he tried at all costs to organize transport and transport his army to Sicily…Więcej

Roman prisoners fighting at funeral of Crixus

When in 72 BCE the insurgent army of Spartacus’ slaves marched north through Italy, towards the Alps, the insurgent forces split up. Gauls and Germans, under the command of a certain Crixus, went ahead to…Więcej

Term “Eternal City”

Name “Eternal City” (Urbs aeterna) was finally given to Rome by Emperor Hadrian, but he had already used it before 1st-century writer Tibullus in “Elegies”. Even Ovid and Livy mentioned the eternity of Rome. After…Więcej

Roman Empire and North America

Comparison of the area of the Roman Empire and the North American continent. The map shows the Roman Empire around 117 CE, when the lands under Roman rule stretched from Egypt to Britain. It is…Więcej

Trees next to roads

In ancient Rome, trees were planted along the roads, mainly pines and cypresses. Thus, travellers and merchants could stop and rest in the shade of the sun.Więcej

Caligula’s disease

Most historians agree that epilepsy is the most likely candidate for Caligula’s disease. There are several details in Caligula’s biography that support this argument. It is suggested that members of Julius’ family suffered from epilepsy.…Więcej

Mythical gorgons

According to Ulpian, the great Roman jurist, the mythical gorgons – dangerous sisters with a terrifying appearance, who were depicted as winged figures with claws, sharp fangs and hair in the form of poisonous snakes…Więcej

When did gladiator fights end?

Although gladiator fights were officially banned by Constantine the Great in the year 325 CE they were held until 404 CE. That year, on January 1, the Western Roman Emperor Honorius finally and irrevocably abolished…Więcej

Mithridates VI – victim of Roman imperialism?

In Roman sources, Mithridates VI Eupator appears to us as the leader of the wars that the Romans had to wage for about 25 years in the East. Mithridates was to strive to create a…Więcej

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