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.

Augustus’ sarcasm

When Octavian Augustus heard that among the young children that Herod the Great had ordered to murder in Syria was Herod’s son, he said (having in mind Jewish custom of abstaining from pork) – It…Więcej

Basil – spice of Greeks and Romans

Basil was already known in ancient Greece and Rome. It was known as ocimum (Latin) or basilikos (in Greek “a herb worth a king”). It is mentioned i.e. by Pliny the Elder, who distinguishes one…Więcej

Roman citizen could have sex with another man

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…Więcej

Centenaria – fortified Roman farms

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…Więcej

Roman scientists

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. This assimilation of…Więcej

Tunica molesta – burning tunic

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…Więcej

Prostitutes in Rome were treated with low respect

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…Więcej

Cosmetics and beauty in world of Romans

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…Więcej

Roman, proud nose

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;…Więcej

After death of Caesar

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…Więcej

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