The Less Famous Graffiti of Pompeii: A Window into Everyday Roman Life
The ancient city of Pompeii, frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, is renowned for its remarkably preserved ruins. Among its treasures are thousands of graffiti inscriptions etched into walls, revealing the thoughts, humor, and daily lives of its residents. While some graffiti, like political slogans or explicit messages from brothels, have gained fame, countless lesser-known inscriptions offer equally fascinating insights into the lives of ordinary Romans.
1. Children’s Drawings of Gladiators (Featured Image)
Recent excavations have uncovered graffiti believed to be drawn by children in Pompeii. Found in locations like the Casa del Cenacolo Colonnato, these simple charcoal sketches depict gladiators locked in combat or hunting wild animals. The drawings, likely inspired by spectacles at the amphitheater, provide a glimpse into how children processed the violent entertainment of their time. Their naive strokes and storytelling reflect both innocence and the normalization of brutality in Roman culture.
2. Names and Personal Tags
A significant portion of Pompeian graffiti consists of names etched into walls—essentially ancient versions of “I was here.” These inscriptions often include greetings or dedications, such as “Salve, lucru” (Hello, light) or “Felici iuventutis” (To the happiness of youth). Some individuals even developed unique styles, such as writing their names backward or incorporating playful riddles like the mysterious word “Menedemerumenos,” which spread across the city as a possible game or trend.
3. Humorous and Cheeky Messages
Pompeian graffiti also reveals a sharp sense of humor. One inscription reads: “Weep, you girls. My penis has given you up. Now it penetrates men’s behinds. Goodbye, wondrous femininity!” This bold declaration highlights the bawdy humor that was common among Pompeii’s residents. Other cheeky messages include complaints about watered-down wine in taverns or sarcastic remarks directed at passersby, such as: “Whoever reads this is stupid”.
4. Everyday Observations
Graffiti often reflected mundane aspects of life in Pompeii. In one instance, a customer complained about a tavern’s poor-quality wine: “I came here for wine but found only water.” Another inscription documents a business transaction: “For 16 denarii, I sold a slave named Fortunata.” These snippets provide invaluable details about Roman commerce and social interactions.
5. Love Triangles and Romantic Rivalries
Some graffiti recorded personal drama and romantic entanglements. One famous example involves a man named Severus declaring his love for Iris while warning another suitor, Successus, to stay away from her: “Successus loves Iris who does not care for him. Severus wrote this.” These inscriptions reveal how public walls became spaces for personal expression and rivalry.
6. Political Propaganda
Political graffiti was widespread in Pompeii, with over 3,000 electoral messages urging citizens to vote for specific candidates. Written in bold red or black letters by professional scribes, these inscriptions often highlighted the support of various trade guilds or professions for particular candidates. For example, bakers or blacksmiths might endorse a magistrate running for office. These messages provide insight into the city’s political landscape and civic engagement.
7. Literary Quotes and Philosophical Musings
Pompeians also carved lines from popular literature or philosophical reflections onto walls. Phrases like “Vivere est cogitare” (To live is to think) and “In vino veritas” (In wine, there is truth) demonstrate their appreciation for intellectual pursuits and cultural trends. These inscriptions echo modern habits of sharing inspirational quotes.
8. Artistic Flourishes
Some graffiti combined text with drawings to create visual narratives. For instance, sketches of ships were popular motifs among sailors and merchants passing through Pompeii’s bustling port. Others used wall paintings as backdrops for their inscriptions to enhance their visibility or artistic impact.
9. The Role of Women in Graffiti
While women were underrepresented as writers in Pompeian graffiti due to lower literacy rates, they played prominent roles in love messages and erotic texts. These writings reveal glimpses of women’s lives and relationships within Roman society.
Conclusion
The less famous graffiti of Pompeii offers an intimate look at the lives of its residents beyond grand villas and public monuments. From children’s drawings to cheeky humor and personal rivalries, these inscriptions serve as timeless reminders that human behavior—our jokes, complaints, rivalries, and creativity—has changed little over millennia. Hidden in plain sight on ancient walls, these messages continue to connect us with the people who lived nearly 2,000 years ago in this vibrant Roman city.