Curiosities of ancient Rome (Unknown facts)

This page is also available in: Polish (polski)

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.

Solemn procession (pompa cirensis)

The ceremonial procession that preceded the Roman games was called the pompa cirensis. It was characterized by great splendour and picturesqueness. The procession started from the Capitol to reach the circus. At its head was…Więcej

Ancient acne

Who among us did not struggle in adolescence with colloquially called “pimples”. The same problem also applied to the youth of the ancient world. Papyrus of Ebers The first records of acne can be found…Więcej

January calends – new year in ancient Romans

Ancient Romans, on various occasions, but mainly during the January calendars, wished each other happiness with expressions of kindness and exchanged gifts. Ovid mentions that the Romans gave themselves gifts, mainly dates, figs, and honey.…Więcej

Nero was popular ruler

After the death of Nero, it was speculated that the emperor was alive and merely faked a suicide to escape from his torturers. His grave was worshipped, flowers were laid on it. There were several…Więcej

Human beings were sacrificed in Rome

In ancient Rome, contrary to popular belief, human sacrifices were made. We are talking here, especially about the period of the wars with Carthage in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, when numerous failures were…Więcej

After cat’s death, despair was given

The cat in ancient Egypt was an extremely respected animal. According to the Greek historian Herodotus, the Egyptians, as a sign of mourning after the death of their cat, mourned and shaved their eyebrows. We…Więcej

Damnatio ad bestias

In Rome, there were a phenomenon of throwing wild animals to be eaten (damnatio ad bestias) convicts. This form of execution was used to entertain the crowd. For this purpose, various animals were brought to…Więcej

What did Claudius respond to condemned?

In 52 CE on Lake Fucine at the behest of Emperor Claudius, there were naumachiae. At the famous cry of the convicts about to take part in the naval battle: Hail, Emperor, those who are…Więcej

Roman children wore “bulla”

Children up to the age of fourteen wore a medallion called a “bulla” around their necks. The medallions were designed to protect children from evil spirits and forces. The bullae were round in shape and…Więcej

End of Greek and Macedonian phalanx

The end of the Greek and Macedonian phalanxes brought clashes with Roman legions fighting in a more flexible manipular formation. The defeats of the Hellenistic armies at Cynoscephalae (197 BCE), Magnesia (190 BCE) and Pydna…Więcej

IMPERIUM ROMANUM needs your support!

If you like the content I collect on the website and share it on social media channels, I will be grateful for your support. Even the smallest amounts will allow me to pay for further corrections and improvements on the site and pay for the server.

Support IMPERIUM ROMANUM!

Discover secrets of ancient Rome!

If you want to be up to date with the newest articles on the website and discoveries from ancient Rome, subscribe to the newsletter, which is sent each Saturday.

Subscribe to newsletter!

Classic mobile version