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Curiosities of ancient Rome (Unknown facts)
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.
Mullet – delicacy of ancient Romans
As reported by Pliny the Elder1, who lived in the middle of the 1st century CE, one of the most eaten fish among the ancient Romans was the red mullet. As he himself points out, the fish has a “double beard” (mullus barbatus) and is not suitable for breeding, and the best specimens can be found in open waters.
“Stepmother” – Roman camp
In the slang of Roman soldiers, a military camp that was located on uneven and unfavourable terrain was called “stepmother” (noverca).
How were large transactions carried out in ancient Rome?
In 62 BCE Cicero was to buy a house from Licinius Crassus, located in a prestigious place – on the Palatine – until for 3.5 million sesterces1. For this, the famous orator was forced to take out a large loan; which was normal in the ancient world. But what is interesting, how did such a large transaction come about?
Roman tokens in exchange for sexual favors
Sexual services were normally paid between 2 and 10 asses. Occasionally, special coins (spintria) were issued which, according to scientists, were in the form of our present-day tokens. They gave entry and the possibility of using the services. More coins of this type.
Romans loved their animals
The Romans really loved their dogs or cats. Some dogs had special medals with engraved instructions on how to deal with a lost animal.
Vegetarian diet of gladiators
The gladiator’s diet was mostly vegetarian by today’s standards. The basis of the diet was broad beans and grains, from which even the colloquial term for gladiators comes from – hordearii, meaning “barley”. This diet was rich in carbohydrates.
Construction disaster in Fidenae
During the reign of Emperor Tiberius, in 27 CE, the greatest construction disaster in ancient Rome took place. In Fidenae (a town not far north of Rome) a wooden amphitheatre has collapsed. According to Suetonius, over 20,000 people died under the rubble; Tacitus gives the figure of 50,000 dead and maimed.
Nero the Antichrist
Emperor Nero became famous primarily for the first persecution of Christians during his reign. Including he used the burning flesh of Christians as candles at his feasts.
