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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.

Vomiting during feast was not routine

The custom of vomiting (by skilfully manipulating a feather or a slave’s finger) during Roman feasts, although mentioned in various sources, almost always applies to only a few Roman emperors (Vitellius, Claudius, Nero; the latter helped himself with enemas); the other thing is that we know less about the figures of the lower class – few of them have their own biographies.

Roman feast in the fresco

Roman feast ended with drinking

Commisatio was the last part of the Roman feast (cena). At that time, the revelers consumed large amounts of wine, which was accompanied (similar to the Greek symposium) by discussions and reflections.

Cena on a Roman fresco

Non sufficit orbis

Philip II of Habsburg became king of Portugal in 1581. To celebrate the union of Spain and Portugal, he commissioned the minting of medals showing his reign over Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean.

Medal with the motto of Philip's monarchy after the union of crowns The world is not enough

Roman absolutism

From the end of the 3rd century CE, the emperor ceased to be princeps to become “domine” – dominat. We owe the new type of government to Diocletian, who ruled from 284 to 305 CE. The emperor was now omnipotent, he could change the law as he pleased, and the appearance of a republic vanished.

Diocletian

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