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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.

Did Ancient Romans sprinkle with salt Carthage’s ground?

There is a popular belief that ancient Romans after defeating Carthage in 146 BCE not only razed the city to the ground but also sprinkled it with salt, in order to make sure that nothing would grow in these hated areas.

7 April 2020

Conquest of Carthage, Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo

Roman women were educated

In ancient Rome, it was appropriate for a woman in upper and middle social classes to be able to read and write. Sometimes the family invested in girls even more and provided private Greek or grammar classes.

1 April 2020

Fresco showing a girl reading papyrus. Dated to the 1st century BCE

Fullones in ancient Rome

Roman fullones were supposed to both clean and smooth the material after receiving it from the weaving workshop, as well as clean the clothes from dirt and bleach or enhance the colour. Fuller workshops were called fullonicae.

30 March 2020

Fresco showing fullers at work. The painting was in Pompeii, in the workshop of Veranius Hypsaeus.

Commodus fought as gladiator

Emperor Commodus &