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.

Penteconter – great colonization galley

Thinking about the ships of ancient Greece, we certainly see fast and slender triers, with protruding, shiny brown beaks and rowers sitting in three rows, one above the other. However, the first Greek warships, we…Więcej

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. At night, the order…Więcej

Gesture manus fica

The manus fica (“fig sign”) gesture, popular especially in Italy and southern Europe (even Turkey), dates back to the times of ancient Rome. The gesture consists of placing the hand in such a way that…Więcej

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…Więcej

How did the Romans capture animals for the Colosseum?

The Roman games involved vast numbers of animals. Some animals were performers. Elephants balanced on ropes, bowed to the emperor and traced out words with their trunks. Lions gummed their trainers’ hands and played fetch…Więcej

Fidus Achates, Fidus Cicero

The best friend of Marcus Tullius Cicero was Titus Pomponius, called Atticus. Even though they were often apart, Cicero and Atticus exchanged letters over the years that reveal a friendship of rare devotion and warm…Więcej

Largest construction disaster of ancient Rome

The Romans left behind many wonderful buildings, many of them have survived to this day in a better or worse condition. Amphitheatres, where crowds of people gathered to see gladiatorial battles, enjoyed great popularity among…Więcej

Where did nickname “Caesar” come from?

“Caesar” was a title awarded since Julius Caesar to each of his successors. But what did it mean? It is not entirely known, the Romans themselves do not seem to be sure. It is certain,…Więcej

Vercingetorix – what did his name mean?

Vercingetorix – the leader of the Gauls’ uprising against Rome, was probably known among his own under a completely different name that has not survived to this day. Vercingetorix is a cluster of words Uer,…Więcej

Prophecy in Sibylline Books

At the end of the Pontic War, in 85 BCE, Mitrydates – king of Pontus and Sulla – Roman commander, being somewhat “against the wall” they made a compromise peace between the two countries. Pursuant…Więcej

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