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.

Decemviri

In 452 BCE plebeians and patricians agreed on the creation of a ten-person college to deal with the codification of Roman law. Until now, all norms of social life were based on common law, whose…Więcej

“Emperors gamblers”

Suetonius reports that Augustus was a game lover to such extent that he invited his friends and family, gave everyone a sum of 250 denarii in order to encourage them to play. And he did…Więcej

Areas of Poland in times of Romans

How, tribes living in ancient times on current Polish territory, described Publius Cornelius Tacitus in De origine et situ Germanorum? Here Suebia ends. I do not know whether to class the tribes of the Peucini,…Więcej

Emperor’s speech to assembled soldiers

Adlocutio was the emperor’s speech to the assembled soldiers. In general, the ruler directed them to soldiers before the commencement of the war campaign, during a visit or on another particularly important occasion. Adlocutio can…Więcej

Roman toys

Roman toys that children played with were called crepundia. There were popular rag, clay or wax dolls, wooden horses on wheels. Naturally, the children also had their plays – however there are no records in…Więcej

Freedom of expression during reign of emperor Aurelius

Under the reign of emperor Marcus Aurelius, there was unprecedented freedom of expression for those times. It was a phenomenon in history. For example, comedian writer Marullus allowed himself to criticize the authorities without any…Więcej

Death of Britannicus

Britannicus, a son of the emperor Claudius after his father’s death (he was poisoned by the mother of Nero with a dish of mushrooms) was a big threat to Nero, a half brother. Nero, embracing…Więcej

Roman fashion

According to Roman fashion, feasts were organized in the so-called triclinium. In the middle of the room, the table was set up, and the sofas around it, leaving one side “unmarked” (something like a horseshoe…Więcej

Map showing growth of Roman Empire

A very interesting map showing the growth of the Roman Empire from the beginning of the Republic till the crisis of the 3rd century CE. We can see when the areas were joined to the…Więcej

Impurities on Roman streets

The picture shows stone blocks in Pompeii. They made it possible for residents not to get dirty and not to walk on the lower level of the road, where all impurities accumulated. Often the Romans…Więcej

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