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.

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: Qui hic…Więcej

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…Więcej

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…Więcej

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. He classified overweight people as obese…Więcej

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…Więcej

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…Więcej

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…Więcej

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…Więcej

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. The inscription mentions that…Więcej

Largest Roman lupanar

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…Więcej

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