The ancient Roman civilization was one of the most powerful and influential empires in history. And it produced many fascinating and strange stories about its people.
Here are six strange but true stories about ancient Roman people.
1. Emperor Caligula’s horse as a senator
Emperor Caligula was known for his eccentric and unpredictable behavior. He famously appointed his favorite horse, Incitatus, as a senator. Caligula even provided the horse with a marble stall, an ivory manger, and a housekeeper. Although it is unclear whether Caligula was serious or using the appointment as a political satire, this strange story demonstrates the emperor’s capriciousness.
2. The vomitoriums
Contrary to popular belief, vomitoriums were not rooms for the Romans to indulge in a gluttonous feast and then purge themselves. In fact, vomitoriums were exit passageways in amphitheaters, coliseums, and stadiums that allowed large crowds to leave quickly. The name comes from the Latin word “vomitorius,” meaning “that which spews out.”
3. The poisoned book
Emperor Nero was known for his brutal and tyrannical rule. According to legend, Nero once had a rival poisoned by giving him a book coated with poison. As the victim read the book, the poison seeped into his fingers, eventually killing him. This story is probably apocryphal, but it illustrates the Romans’ fascination with poison.
4. The bearded women
Ancient Roman women were expected to be modest and demure, but some women defied these conventions. The historian Pliny the Elder wrote about a woman who grew a beard, and who was celebrated for her unusual appearance. The woman even posed for a portrait, which was later displayed in the Forum Romanum.
5. The gladiator who won his freedom
Gladiators were often slaves or prisoners of war who fought to the death for the amusement of the Roman crowds. But occasionally, a gladiator would win his freedom. The most famous of these was Spartacus, who led a slave revolt against the Romans. Another gladiator, named Carpophorus, won his freedom by defeating twelve wild animals in a single day.
6. The emperor who declared war on Poseidon
Emperor Caligula appears on this list again, this time for declaring war on the god of the sea, Poseidon. Caligula ordered his soldiers to march into the water and stab the waves with their swords. He also had his men collect seashells as war trophies. This bizarre story highlights Caligula’s insanity and the excesses of his reign.
