In modern people, Ancient Rome is associated with gladiatorial battles, famous philosophers and the Colosseum. Many people know about Caesar and his legions, others remember about slaves, or about Roman law.
The powerful Roman state is fraught with many mysteries, over which scientists are still racking their brains. It will be interesting to learn little-known facts about Ancient Rome and expand your knowledge in history.
The lilac color was worn exclusively to know
The Romans judged a man by his outfit. The poor wore clothes of gray-black, brown, and yellow hues, reminiscent of sheep’s wool. The rich put on dresses of purple, green, red tones, and the lilac color was considered a special chic. Only I could afford to use expensive dyes for wardrobe items.
Monobrow spoke of high intelligence
Now fused eyebrows in women cause a negative reaction from others. In ancient Rome, monobrow symbolized high intelligence, so the girls tried by any means to improve their appearance. They even used unnatural goat hair eyebrows, which were glued to the forehead with resin.
Romans often lived to old age
Many sources claim that on average the ancient inhabitants of Rome lived to be 25 years old. In fact, the statistics are not entirely correct, because under favorable conditions people lived to old age. Their lifespan was almost the same as their present.
The medical profession was extremely responsible
At that time, physicians were extremely strict and did not forgive mistakes. They had to save patients at all costs. The rich reacted negatively to incompetent specialists. In case of problems, severe punishment awaited them.
Warlords did not participate in battles
The paintings often depict military leaders who lead soldiers into battle. In fact, important personalities held command posts and gave commands from above. If the battle was close to losing, the commander had to go into battle.
By tradition, emperors drank poison
Starting from the 1st century AD, emperors drank poison every day. They consumed a small amount of poison, wanting to get immunity from it.
At feasts, the Romans tried to eat as much food as possible
The Romans were known for their food cravings. They loved to eat excessively, so at feasts they tried to eat as much as possible.
Romans did not use soap
Rich people were clean and had a bath daily. They did not use soap, and instead of it rubbed oil into the skin. They were scraped off with dust using hygienic scrapers.
The Romans wiped their hands on their hair while eating
The rich did not use towels and napkins during the feast. They preferred to wipe their hands on the head of curly children who were called table boys. The child could be proud of such a service.
Ancient Roman women dyed their hair
At first, colored curls were considered a sign of bad taste.Then the wife of the emperor Claudius created a fashion for colored wigs. Later, know began to dye hair, depending on personal wishes.
Horse could become a politician
Emperor Caligula had a favorite stallion - Incitat. The horse had a harness made of expensive stones, and he ate only oats with particles of gold. Caligula wanted to make the horse a consul, hinting that even an animal would cope with the work of the senator.
Romans turned to dentists
The ancient Romans took care of the condition of their teeth and often turned to dentists. Archaeologists have even found a female jaw equipped with dentures. Scientists believe that a smile with all teeth showed wealth.
Saturn festival awaited all slaves
The festival was held every year, and during it the slaves enjoyed privileges. They could sit with the rich at the same table. Sometimes the owner even brought food and drinks.
Names were given only to the first 4 sons
In ancient Rome, a fifth-born son received an ordinal number instead of a name. He was called Quintus, which meant fifth. Subsequent children also could not count on a personal name.
The kiss after marriage was first adopted in ancient Rome
Then it was not only a beautiful tradition, but also a kind of seal. The newlyweds confirmed with a kiss that a marriage contract was concluded between them.
The phrase "return to native penates" went from Rome
Penates are the guardian gods of the hearth, and in each dwelling hung their images. The famous phrase means "return to your home". It’s correct to say “return to your native land”.