When it comes to discovering the history of one of the most powerful empires in world history, no archaeological artifact is more captivating than those from the Roman Republic. From vessels used by Romans thousands years ago and destroyed statues that tell stories filled with lessons for our present day, artifacts of the Roman Empire offer a fascinating window into its legacy and its culture.
In this blog post, we will explore some of these renowned finds and discuss their importance in terms of understanding an empire that spanned many centuries and multiple continents. Dive into a journey across time as we take you through twenty incredible pieces that remain vivid reminders why Rome still stands tall today!
Definition of Roman Empire Artifacts
These are archaeological finds that have been discovered from all over the former Roman Empire, including Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. From coins to pottery, statues to jewelry, these artifacts provide a fascinating glimpse into the culture of this once-dominant empire.
1. The Gundestrup Cauldron
This well-preserved silver vessel was discovered in Denmark in 1891 and is thought to be of Celtic origin. It dates back to the 1st century BC, making it one of the oldest artifacts from the Roman Empire. It features incredibly detailed imagery that tells stories about gods, battles, and rituals that were important during the time period.
2. Trajan’s Column
Located in Rome, this massive column was constructed around 113 AD as a monument to Emperor Trajan victories in civil war. It stands over 100 feet tall and is carved with intricate bas-relief sculptures depicting scenes from his campaigns.
3. Pompeii Frescoes
A number of frescoes from the city of Pompeii, destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, have been recovered. They depict everyday Roman legions and are a reminder of the vibrant culture that existed before such a catastrophic event. Tucked away in a corner of the Piazza San Marco, the Four Tetrarchs are overlooked by many visitors to Venice.
4. Augustus From Prima Porta (1st Century CE)
This statue found in Rome depicts the first emperor of Rome, Augustus Caeser, and is one of the most iconic artifacts to come out of the Roman Era. It stands over seven feet tall and was created around 20 BC.
5. Colosseum Sculptures
The Colosseum in Rome was built between 70-80 AD as an amphitheater for gladiatorial combat and other public events. Thousands of sculptures were placed throughout the Colosseum, many of which have since been discovered and are now on display in museums around the world.
6. Roman Coinage
The coins used in the Roman Empire were a form of currency that allowed people to purchase goods and services. Hundreds of different types of coins were minted throughout the empire and many are still in circulation today. Roman mosaic was known to everyone in the world.
7. Roman Jewelry
Jewelry was an essential part of fashion during Ancient Rome, with intricate pieces crafted from gold, silver, and other precious materials. Rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets adorned both men and women as signs of wealth or social status.
8. Baths of Caracalla
Built between 212-216 AD, the Baths of Caracalla were a massive public bath house located in Rome. Though some parts are still visible today, most of it is gone and only fragmentary remains are left. Also, many artifacts such as coins and marble sculptures have been found during excavations.
9. The Pantheon
This iconic temple was built by Emperor Hadrian between 118-125 AD and is one of the best-preserved buildings from Ancient Rome. Its dome stands over 43 meters tall and its walls feature stunning sculptures depicting gods and goddesses from Greek mythology.
10. Trajan’s Market
Built around 100AD, this structure was originally used as a shopping center for the city of Rome but later functioned as an administrative building during the Middle Ages. Its remains have been preserved and are now open to the public.
11. The Circus Maximus
The largest stadium in Ancient Rome, the Circus Maximus was originally built by Tarquinius Priscus in the 6th century BC for chariot racing. It could fit up to 250,000 spectators and is still visible today from its ruins located near the Colosseum.
12. Limes Germanicus
This military line was constructed around 100AD and stretched along the Rhine river separating Roman territory from that of their enemies in Germania. It consisted of a wall, moats, guard towers, and other fortifications used to protect Roman borders against barbarians.
13. Arch of Titus
Located near the Colosseum in Rome, the Arch of Titus was built in 81 AD to commemorate the victories of Emperor Titus. It is decorated with sculptures that depict scenes from his conquest of Jerusalem and its surrounding territories. Moreover, it is one of the best-preserved monuments from Ancient Rome.
14. The Orator Statue
Found in the ruins of Pompeii, this statue depicts a Roman orator and is a reminder of the speech-making culture prevalent in Ancient Rome. It stands just over four feet tall and is now on display at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
15. Roman Patrician Bust
This bust is a representation of a Roman patrician, an elite class within the Roman Empire. It was found in Pompeii and can now be seen in the museum at Herculaneum. This bust serves as a reminder of the power and influence wielded by Roman patricians during Ancient Rome.
16. Statue of Marcus Aurelius on Horseback (176 CE)
This bronze statue of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius is one of the most famous finds from Ancient Rome. It stands over nine feet tall and shows him riding a horse into battle. It is now on display at the Capitoline Museum in Rome.
17. The Glass Gladiator Cup (50 – 80 CE)
This cup was found in the ruins of Pompeii and is decorated with a relief of a gladiator battle. It is made from glass and stands just under six inches tall. Also, it is believed to be one of the earliest representations of gladiators ever found.
18. The Fonseca Bust
The Fonseca Bust (2nd Century CE) is a marble sculpture of the Roman goddess Fortuna. It was found in the ruins of Pompeii and is now housed at the Naples National Archaeological Museum. Plus, it is one of the most iconic representations of Fortuna and a reminder of the importance of religion in Ancient Rome.
19. Colossus of Constantine (230 – 337 CE)
Colossus of Constantine (230 – 337 CE) was a giant bronze statue of the Roman Emperor Constantine I. It was originally located in Rome but was destroyed by an earthquake in 847 AD and only fragments remain today. The sculpture represents the Tetrarchy, a government created by Emperor Diocletian to end the civil wars and foreign invaders that had besieged Rome for decades.
20. Portrait of the Four Tetrarchs
Portrait of the Four Tetrarchs is a famous sculpture depicting four emperors of the Roman Empire. It was carved in 305 CE and is now on display at the St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy.
These artifacts from the Roman Empire offer insight into its culture, military campaigns, and daily life that can still be felt today. From coins to frescoes, these pieces provide valuable information about an empire that has left an indelible mark on history.
FAQs
What are Roman Mosaics?
Roman mosaics are a type of art form that used tiny colored tiles or stones to create intricate images and patterns. These mosaics were usually made as floor decorations for houses, public buildings, and temples. They often depicted scenes from Greek mythology, such as the Labors of Hercules. They also featured geometric designs, religious symbols, and portraits of Roman emperors.
What is a Roman coin?
A Roman coin is a type of currency used by the ancient Romans to pay for goods and services. Roman coins were made out of bronze, silver, or gold and featured images of gods, emperors, and other powerful figures from their society. These coins were used extensively in the Roman Empire as a form of payment and to demonstrate the wealth and power of its rulers.
What can ancient Roman artifacts tell us about their culture?
Ancient Roman art provide insight into many aspects of the society, including its political system, religious beliefs, art and architecture styles, and more. Through the analysis of artifacts, we can gain a deeper understanding of how the Roman Empire functioned and what values it held.
Where is Fresco Wall from the House of Livia?
The Fresco Wall from the House of Livia is a spectacular piece of Roman art that was discovered in the early 20th century near Rome, Italy. It depicts images of goddesses, gods, and royalty painted in vibrant colors on a curved wall. The painting demonstrates the grandeur of life at the time and provides insight into how Ancient Rome viewed the gods and their relationship with humanity.
Conclusion
Exploring archaeological artifacts from the Roman Empire is a captivating way to learn more about its history, culture, and legacy. From vessels used by Romans thousands years ago to leaping dolphins believed to bring luck and protection, these finds offer us a glimpse into an empire that spanned many centuries. By better understanding the past, we can gain valuable insight for our present day.
