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.

Romans loved chariot racing

Alongside the gladiatorial fights, the Romans also loved chariot racing. The fans were divided into specific factions (factiones), depending on the colours. In Rome, four such fan clubs were classically distinguished: red (russata), green (prasina),…Więcej

There were also women gladiators in arena

The men weren’t the only ones who fought in the arenas of the Roman amphitheatres. The Romans trained arena fighting also women. They were the so-called gladiatrices, which were largely made up of volunteers. The…Więcej

Left-handed Roman was unlucky

Left-handed Romans were considered unlucky and untrustworthy. In Roman culture, left-handedness was associated with bad luck, impurity, or betrayal — the word sinister in Latin meant “left,” but over time it took on the meaning…Więcej

Trepanation – solution to headaches

In ancient Rome, trepanation was seen as the best method to get rid of severe headaches and madness. It was believed that the hole in the head allowed the evil spirit to leave the wretched…Więcej

Fuller in Roman world

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, fulling machines were involved in both the production and washing of fabrics. During the excavations at Pompeii destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE several great fulling…Więcej

Empress Messalina – nymphomaniac

The third wife of Emperor Claudius, Valeria Messalina, was a nymphomaniac. According to Roman historians, she once decided to compete with a professional prostitute. The women were to confirm who would be able to hold…Więcej

Romans invented calendar that is mostly used today

The Romans invented the calendar, which we most use to this day. The so-called Julian Calendar is a solar calendar developed at the request of Julius Caesar by the Greek astronomer Sosygenes and implemented in…Więcej

Purple color – reserved for emperor and senators

The colour purple was reserved only for the emperor and senators, and any flaunting it was a betrayal. This dye was obtained from spike venom (Murex). It was the so-called “Tyrian purple” and was the…Więcej

Rome in 14 CE had over 750,000 inhabitants

The capital of the Roman Empire in 14 CE had over 750,000 inhabitants, which constituted a tenth of the entire population of Italy. The population of Rome grew to over a million by the end…Więcej

Roman teaching system was based on education of Greeks

The Roman teaching system was largely based on the education of the Greeks. Hence, the teachers of Roman children were most often Greek slaves or freedmen. An example of a Greek who achieved much in…Więcej

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