Curiosities of ancient Rome (Unknown facts)

Roman citizen could have sex with another man, taking into consideration that he was not a passive partner. Such a citizen in no way lost his masculinity or social status. Most often, a passive person was chosen as a slave, male prostitute or a person from the artistic world who had nothing to lose.

Centenaria (singular centenarium) were fortified farms in northern Africa – Tripolitania (northwestern part of Libya; near the coast). So far, we have found the remains of over 2,000 such objects, including Gheriat esh-Shergia, Qasr Banat or Suq al-Awty, which were the so-called Limes Tripolitanus.

During the development of their own statehood, the Ancient Romans adapted science and the achievements of the Greeks, which they felt were useful: in the field of military, medicine, art or theater.

Tunica molesta was a large tunic, soaked in tar, resin or oil, which was put on by convicts in ancient Rome. The clothes were then set on fire. The convict was burning alive as part of the ad flammas execution.

Prostitutes in Rome had a low social respect due to the fact that they were trading their body in exchange for survival. Actors, dancers or musicians had a similarly low opinion. Interestingly, people from the middle or high social class were not allowed to engage in prostitution.

Various types of cosmetics already existed before ancient Rome. The place where they were used was Greece or Egypt, from where various beauty products were borrowed. With the expansion of the Empire, cosmetics were also imported from China, Germany and Gaul.

In ancient Rome, being born with a hooked nose was considered a sign of leadership. The Romans saw a person with an “eagle’s nose” as beautiful and dignified. They were referred to as aquiline noses; the name comes from the word aquilinus (“eagle-like”).

After the death of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE, Mark Antony came up with the idea of ​​honoring deceased ruler and name the seventh month with his name. This is how Latin Julius, French Juillet and English July were created, which is simply July (in our name comes from summer blooming July).

A qualified hairdresser (tonsor) in Rome could make a career and earn good money. It should be noted, however, that shaving was not very pleasant and easy at the time. The Romans used much worse steel than we do today, and it has often happened that the razor (novacula) quickly blunted. In addition to shaving, cutting and waxing, hairdressers also offered the removal of individual facial hair with tweezers (volsella).