Curiosities of ancient Rome (Unknown facts)
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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 of the leader of this ... Read more
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 with a characteristic soft glow, ... Read more
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. Proof of this is, among ... Read more
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 certain.
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.
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 lion population was extremely high ... Read more
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, expecting an enemy attack. Reportedly, ... Read more
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 to outlaw abortion and contraception. ... Read more
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 bene me/renti Octa/via Thetis fecit. ... Read more
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 as the greatest glutton of ... Read more
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