Curiosities of ancient Rome (Unknown facts)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The term lupanar comes from the oldest known brothel in the world – Lupanar in Pompeii, also known as Lupanare Grande. The Roman tryst house is additionally interesting for the remnants of 134 erotic paintings on its walls.

In 55 BCE Cato the Younger – leader of the optimates and advocate of the return to republican virtues – has decided to run for the position of praetor. In this way, he hoped to become a consul in the future and to counteract the triumvirs.