Roman sexual terms
Naturally, ancient Romans also had their own expressions for all sexual activities. For example, the word cinaede meant a person who was anally penetrated.
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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.
What were gladiators drinking?
Roman gladiators as an energy drink probably drank a drink made of vinegar, water and plant ash – this was the conclusion of scientists studying the remains of warriors from Ephesus (modern Turkey), discovered in 1933.
Capture of Falerii according to Livy
In Ab Urbe Condita, Titus Livius described the war that took place between Rome and Faliscans in 394 BC. In this war, the city of Falerii was conquered in a way, as was described by the victors, which none, whether god or man, can censure.
Idea of martyrdom
Christianity in its origins differed quite significantly from what we know in its present form, although the idea of martyrdom raises vivid emotions among the faithful to this day and is still through it appreciated and praised.
Sponsiones
Sponsiones were ceremonial promises, sureties and collaterals. Simply put, it was a verbal contract where one party asked the other if the other party promised to fulfil a certain benefit. If that person agreed, a bet was placed.
Map showing communication routes in western part of Roman Empire
Map of the western part of the Roman Empire from 117 CE, which shows communication routes used in trade and transport. Grey lines represent land roads; black lines are rivers, used in transportation; dashed lines are sea routes.
Three units taking order in Eternal City
In the Roman Empire, there were three forces to ensure order in the Eternal City. The most famous are the praetorians, the emperor’s soldiers, who abused their power more than once.
Roman skyscrapers
In 1884, the first skyscraper was built in Chicago, USA. It was 42 meters high. Shortly afterwards, the New York World Building exceeded a hundred meters. In both cases, however, it was only an imitation of the ancient Romans. The first skyscrapers grew in ancient Rome. They were insulae, including the most famous of them, the real miracle and singularity of the city – Insula Felicles.
