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Curiosities of ancient Rome (Unknown facts)

The world of ancient Romans abounded in a number of amazing curiosities and information. The source of knowledge about the life of the Romans are mainly works left to us by ancient writers or discoveries. The Romans left behind a lot of strange information and facts that are sometimes hard to believe.

Ancient hooligans

It seems that stadium excesses are the invention of our times. However, as early as 2,000 years ago, the ancient Romans faced similar problems. In 59 CE in Pompeii, there were riots at the local amphitheatre between the locals and the fans who came from nearby Nuceria.

Pompeian fresco showing the clash of fans in the arena

Superstitions of Romans were really strange

Romans were very superstitious. They believed in many things that they could not logically explain. For example, the old superstition was known – kissing a female mule in the nostrils cured hiccups and a runny nose. It was also believed that some people were capable of hurting others just by looking at them. Such superstition was called the “evil eye”.

Mule

Romans used spider’s web to stop bleeding

Ancient Romans used a spider’s web to stop bleeding, incl. for cracked skulls and cuts after shaving. Although the Romans did not know much about viral and bacterial infections, by trial and error they concluded that the spider’s web is very beneficial for wound healing.

Spider's web

Hypocrite Seneca the Younger

Seneca the Younger, living in the 1st century CE, the famous Roman Stoic, called the Philosopher, eulogist of heroic ethics, in his life, contrary to appearances, was not guided by beautiful beliefs. He was the tutor of Emperor Nero, at the beginning of his reign he had considerable influence at the court, which he scrupulously used.

Seneca the Younger on a Roman herm

Expansion and Hellenization of city of Rome

The city of Rome, despite great military successes in the republican times, could not be compared to the powerful and beautiful metropolises of the Mediterranean world, such as Alexandria. To this end, in the 2nd century BCE Intensive construction and modernization works began in the Eternal City. The conquered Greek world had a great influence on these transformations.

Macedonian Perseus surrenders to Paulus

BT KN’NYM – Punic house

The most important building for any civilization, culture or family is undoubtedly the house. Whether it is a snow refuge in the polar regions or tents in African deserts, the house always serves the same function for its users, and allows scientists to learn, at least to a small extent, the everyday life of peoples from the past.

Reconstruction of the Phoenician house

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