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.

Cybele – saving of Rome

The appearance in Roman mythology of Cybele is associated with defeats during the Second Punic War. In 205 BCE The Senate called on a college of priests to consult the Books of Sibyl about the…Więcej

Roman salute in time of Romans

In ancient Rome, a Roman salute performed with the right hand (called dextera or dextra) meant trust, friendship and loyalty or simple greeting. The Roman salute used in recent history (especially among national movements), according…Więcej

Roman doctors knew anesthetics

Roman doctors knew anesthetics. Especially recommended herbs were: henbane and opium poppy. Nevertheless, the most important thing was to perform the operation as soon as possible, not to relieve the patient’s pain. The surgeon also…Więcej

Huge ransom for Gauls

After defeating the Romans, led by consul Marcus Popilius Lenas, the Gauls captured and plundered Rome in July 387 or 386 BCE. Gauls agreed to leave the city subject to the payment of a huge…Więcej

Governors with wives

In 20 CE The Senate debated the proposal that provincial governors should not be allowed to take their wives with them to the provinces. Women were believed to be weak and prone to the hardships…Więcej

How it was written in ancient Rome?

Ancient Romans used ink, usually made of rubber and soot, to write on papyrus and parchment. They used red ink to better visualize the titles. The ancients also knew the “likeable” ink. Pliny the Elder…Więcej

How much did gladiatorial fight cost?

Gladiator fights were one of the most popular events for Roman society. The custom of gladiatorial fights derives from the Etruscan custom of worshipping the dead through fighting, rather than sacrificing human beings. In Rome,…Więcej

Don’t lie to Roman woman

In ancient Rome, it was allowed passive participation of senatorial sons in the deliberations of the senate, which was also part of the educational program. Of course, they were to be kept secret. Well, when…Więcej

Roman fresco showing daily expenses

We learn a lot about the expenses of ordinary citizens of course from Pompeii. It was there in one of the houses that the Roman “graffiti” survived; the resident calculates his expenses on the wall…Więcej

Mullet – delicacy of ancient Romans

As reported by Pliny the Elder 1 Titus Livy, Ab urbe condita, XXIX.10 , who lived in the middle of the 1st century CE, one of the most eaten fish among the ancient Romans was…Więcej

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