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.

Exile of philosophers during reign of Domitian

According to ancient sources, at the beginning of his reign, Domitian (81-96 CE) was to lead to the expulsion of philosophers from Rome and Italy and forbid the Romans to deal with philosophy. The emperor’s…Więcej

Form Urbis Romae – map of Rome

Form Urbis Romae also called (Form Urbis Severiana) is from the times of the Severan dynasty (193-235 CE) a map of ancient Rome. It is the only plan of this type preserved from antiquity. Form…Więcej

Different opinions about Nero

Already ancient s had different opinions about Emperor Nero; some even gave some “positive” feedback. When asked by the flatterers, the philosopher Apollonius of Tyana replied, “I think of him better than you, for you…Więcej

Holy water in antiquity

Holy water is associated with the Christian faith. It is used in baptisms, blessing and expelling evil. Few, however, realize that the holy springs occurred in other religions, including the ancient Greeks and Romans. It…Więcej

Anomalies in nature

Ancient Romans were often interested in anomalies in nature. Therefore, Octavian Augustus (63 BCE – 14 CE) received an armless person from India – a boy 60 cm tall. Such persons were held for entertainment…Więcej

Silk and Seres – Romans about Chinese

Chinese were referred to by the ancient Romans as the Seres 1 Suetonius, Domitian, 10 . The Romans associated this people far east of the borders of the Empire primarily for the beautiful silk fabric,…Więcej

Roman support system for poorest

Ancient Romans knew that if a society was to be economically viable, it had to be well fed. Therefore, there was a social welfare system that guaranteed the distribution or sale of grain at reduced…Więcej

Distant islands in Ocean – world through eyes of Romans

Ancient Romans often mentioned in their works the mysterious islands that were located far in the ocean and at the very end of the world. Names like Fortunatae (Canary Islands), Taprobane (Ceylon) and Hibernia (Ireland)…Więcej

Roman actors had bad reputation

Roman actors had a bad reputation, and their morals often faced the humble and decadent lifestyle of society. Most often, the actors were slaves or freedmen from the East, due to the fact that Roman…Więcej

Impressive geographic knowledge of ancient Greeks

The geographical knowledge of the ancient Greeks was truly impressive. Already in antiquity, prominent Greek minds held the theory of the spherical Earth as true. Moreover, numerous expeditions of discovery and information were collected, which…Więcej

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