Tap water from ancient Rome likely contained up to 100 times more lead than local spring water. Some historians link fall of the Western Roman Empire to lead poisoning
The highest ranking and rarest military decoration…
The highest ranking and rarest military decoration in ancient Rome was a crown made of grass. It was awarded to officers whose actions saved an entire legion, or an entire army, and was made up of only grass, wheat, and flowers.
Take-out restaurants existed in ancient Rome, with service…
Take-out restaurants existed in ancient Rome, with service counters opening onto the street to pick up food. More than 200 existed in Pompeii, and most of its homes lacked dining or kitchen areas, suggesting that cooking at home was unusual.
The Romans believed eyelashes fell out from excessive sex…
The Romans believed eyelashes fell out from excessive sex, so women would use cosmetics to make their eyelashes look fuller and longer to demonstrate their chastity.
Romans would post news and information along their…
Romans would post news and information along their road networks, especially where three roads intersected, known as a tri-via. Hence, tidbits of information became known as trivia.
Mithridates VI was so paranoid of being poisoned that he took…
Mithridates VI was so paranoid of being poisoned that he took small doses throughout his life to build up an immunity. When he was finally captured by the Romans, he tried to kill himself with poison but failed because he was immune.
Ancient Romans used ammonia from urine to wash togas in a manner…
Ancient Romans used ammonia from urine to wash togas in a manner similar to modern day dry cleaning, and the collection of urine was taxed.