In the living rooms of the Romans: In the service of the gods
At Pentecost (June 7 and 8), life returns to the Roman district of Carnuntum: the historic houses fill with their inhabitants, who provide authentic insights into everyday life on the Danube over 1,700 years ago. The focus of this weekend's special event is the Roman household cult—a quiet but omnipresent form of private religiosity that centers on family, home, and property.
At the event “In the Service of the Gods,” visitors experience a very special combination of lively history teaching and archaeological research. In addition to the regular guided tour program, the weekend offers intensive insights into the religious practices behind Roman house walls: How were the Lares and Penates honored? What role did ancestor worship, offerings, and magical amulets play? And how did spiritual diversity take shape in a multicultural city like Carnuntum?
The entire additional program is included in the regular admission price—there are no additional costs. Don't miss this unique experience and join us on a journey into the spiritual everyday world of the Roman Empire!
Please note: Experience shows that guided tours at the weekend sell out quickly. We therefore ask you to book them in advance. Admission can be purchased separately at the ticket office or in the webshop.
Lucius/Lucia
Like all Romans, the family of Lucius Maticeius Clemens has a household altar. Lucius spent a lot of money on a stone altar. His family offers sacrifices to the gods and ancestral spirits there. Lucius/Lucia is also very superstitious—remember to always enter his house with your right foot first to avoid misfortune!
Witch
The witch is disguised as a scribe, because witches were repeatedly chased out of the city and therefore had to behave inconspicuously. Our witch uses secret magic symbols and occasionally accepts cursing assignments. Curses are a matter for experts among the Romans, because if used improperly, things can easily go wrong...
Ulpia/us (rich victim of theft)
Ulpius/Ulpia was robbed yesterday in the baths: a tunic, overtunic, and paenula are missing. This is a big financial loss even for rich people, because clothes are expensive. He/she is at the baths to find out if the clothes have turned up. Annoyingly, the Romans have no police, but they do have witches – perhaps a little curse could help?
Doctor
A doctor has rented space in the oil merchant's sales area. He/she relies on medicinal herbs for treatment, but also on healing spells, sacrifices, and invoking the gods. Of course, he/she doesn't think much of witches; a healing spell is much more serious (and effective) than the spells of witches – or is it?
Tickets
Admission tickets and guided tour tickets for the themed weekends In the Living Rooms of the Romans (June 7 and 8, 2025) correspond to the regular admission and guided tour tickets and are now available in our webshop. The Lower Austria Card is valid on these days at the normal conditions (one admission per season and card).