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.

What did greats of ancient world hide under their pillows?

Plutarch in his work (“Life of Alexander”, 8) mentions that Alexander the Great kept a special copy of the “Iliad” under his pillow while sleeping, with Aristotle’s commentaries. This was largely due to the love…Więcej

Selenite – valued material

In ancient Rome, selenite (referred to as lapis specularis, meaning “mirror stone”) was a valued mineral. Pliny the Elder emphasized the advantages of this mineral, which could be cut into thin layers through which light…Więcej

Punishment for himself

Emperor Julian the Apostate (reigned 361-363 CE) went down in history as a sensible and righteous Roman ruler. He became famous, among others, for his actions to eliminate bureaucracy and improve the rule of law.…Więcej

Mandatory torture for slaves

In a situation where the Roman slave could only determine whether the accused was guilty or not, he had to be subjected to mandatory torture. Only such testimony of a slave was considered true and…Więcej

Octavian Augustus in ranking of influential people

In the ranking of people who had the greatest influence on the history of mankind, announced at the end of 2013, Octavian Augustus was ranked 30th place.Więcej

Crucified lions by Romans

The Greek historian Polybius mentions that when he participated with Scipio Africanus in conquering (in 146 BCE) Carthage saw lions crucified. As it turned out, such decisions were made by the Romans. Back then, the…Więcej

Tribulus – Roman echidnas

Tribulus was a Roman weapon consisting of four sharp spikes or nails arranged in such a way that one of them always protruded vertically upwards. Such Roman spikelets were placed on a previously prepared battlefield,…Więcej

Birth control under Augustus

In ancient Rome, it was realized that a high number of births guaranteed the proper development of the state and society. During the rule of Octavian Augustus (27 BCE – 14 CE), it was decided…Więcej

Roman cursive

On the tombstone visible in the photo I came across in the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. The full Latin text reads: D(is) M(anibus) / T(ito) Fl(avio) Vero Aug(usti) / lib(erto) tab(ulario) rat(ionis) / aquarior(um) co(n)/iugi…Więcej

Lucullus’ feasts

The famous phrase “Lucullus’ feasts” comes from the name of a Roman leader and politician from the 1st century BCE Lucinius Lucullus (117-56 BCE), who had a reputation as a gourmet. He was sometimes described…Więcej

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