Graffiti in Pompeii: From Public Spaces to Private Homes

Ancient Pompeii, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, offers a remarkable glimpse into Roman life. Among its many artifacts, graffiti etched on walls throughout the city stands out as an intriguing aspect of this archaeological treasure.

The inscriptions range from mundane observations to poignant expressions of love and political sentiment, providing unparalleled insights into everyday experiences and social dynamics of Pompeian citizens.

Love Declarations

The walls of Pompeii whisper tales of romance and passion, immortalized in the form of graffiti. These love declarations, etched by anonymous hands, reveal the intimate emotions of the city’s inhabitants. One can almost hear the fervent heartbeat behind the words, “I love her who loves me,” a simple yet profound testament to mutual affection. Such inscriptions offer a window into the personal lives of Pompeians, where love was celebrated openly and without reservation.

In some instances, the graffiti takes on a more poetic tone, reflecting the literary influences of the time. Verses like “If anyone does not believe in Venus, they should gaze at my girlfriend” showcase the blend of personal sentiment and cultural reverence for the gods. These lines not only express individual feelings but also highlight the societal norms and values surrounding love and beauty. The presence of such poetry on public walls suggests that love was a topic of communal interest and discussion.

The diversity of these declarations is striking. Some are playful, such as “Successus, a weaver, loves the innkeeper’s slave girl named Iris,” while others are more earnest, like “Health to you, Victoria, and wherever you are, may you sneeze sweetly.” These varied expressions indicate that love in Pompeii was multifaceted, encompassing everything from fleeting infatuations to deep, enduring bonds. The casual nature of these inscriptions suggests that the act of writing on walls was a common and accepted practice, allowing individuals to share their feelings with a wider audience.

Political Slogans

Graffiti in Pompeii wasn’t solely reserved for personal matters; it also served as a public forum for political expression. The walls of the city were canvases for political slogans, reflecting the vibrant and often contentious nature of Pompeian politics. These inscriptions reveal a society deeply engaged in the political process, where citizens actively participated in debates and elections.

One notable example is the frequent endorsements of political candidates. Names of those running for office were scrawled alongside messages of support, such as “Vote for Lucius Popidius Sabinus as aedile.” These endorsements were not merely personal opinions; they often reflected broader political alliances and community support for particular candidates. The sheer number of these graffiti suggests that elections were lively events, with citizens using every available space to promote their favored candidates.

Moreover, the political graffiti also shed light on the tactics used by candidates and their supporters to sway public opinion. Some inscriptions were straightforward endorsements, while others employed humor or satire to undermine opponents. For instance, “The sneak thief Vatia favors Sabinus” cleverly discredits a rival by associating him with a notorious criminal. This kind of graffiti illustrates the sharp wit and strategic thinking that characterized Pompeian political life.

In addition to election-related graffiti, some inscriptions addressed broader political issues and events. Debates over policy, public services, and social issues found their way onto the walls, offering a glimpse into the concerns of the populace. Inscriptions like “The city is in debt because of the wrongdoings of the aediles” highlight public dissatisfaction with certain officials and their decisions. These messages indicate that Pompeii’s citizens were not passive observers but active participants in their governance.

Humorous Inscriptions

Humor, it seems, is a timeless human trait, and the walls of Pompeii are a testament to this enduring aspect of human nature. Among the various types of graffiti that adorn the ancient city’s walls, humorous inscriptions stand out for their wit and playfulness. These inscriptions provide a glimpse into the lighter side of Pompeian life, revealing that even in antiquity, people found joy in laughter and jest.

One popular theme in Pompeian humor was the playful teasing of friends and acquaintances. Inscriptions like “Gaius Pumidius Dipilus was here” or “Phileros is a eunuch!” reflect a camaraderie that transcends time. These light-hearted jabs, often directed at friends, suggest a culture where humor was an integral part of social interaction. The act of inscribing such messages on public walls indicates that these jokes were meant to be shared with the wider community, adding a layer of collective enjoyment to the humor.

The humor in Pompeii also extended to more risqué topics, often involving bodily functions or sexual innuendos. Phrases like “Weep, you girls. My penis has given you up. Now it penetrates men’s behinds. Goodbye, wondrous femininity!” showcase a bawdy sense of humor that might surprise modern readers but was evidently a source of amusement for Pompeians. These inscriptions reveal a society that was comfortable with frank discussions of sexuality, using humor as a means to navigate and express these aspects of life.

Animals, too, were a common subject of humorous graffiti. Inscriptions depicting animals in anthropomorphic roles or engaging in human-like activities often drew laughs. One such example reads, “Beware of the dog,” accompanied by a crude drawing of a small, harmless-looking canine. This playful twist on a common warning sign not only highlights the Pompeians’ love for wordplay but also their ability to find humor in everyday situations.

Graffiti in Public Spaces

The public spaces of Pompeii served as vibrant canvases for a multitude of voices, each contributing to the city’s bustling atmosphere. Streets, marketplaces, and public buildings were adorned with an array of inscriptions that captured the pulse of daily life. These graffiti transformed the urban landscape into a dynamic forum where thoughts, opinions, and expressions were freely exchanged.

Walking through the forum, the heart of Pompeii, one would encounter walls teeming with messages that ranged from commercial advertisements to personal reflections. Shop owners would promote their goods with phrases like “At Nuceria, look for Novellia Primigenia’s bar for the best wine!” Such inscriptions reveal the competitive nature of Pompeian commerce, where merchants vied for the attention of passersby. Public walls thus became an essential medium for business communication, blurring the lines between commercial and social spaces.

The public baths, another focal point of social life, also bore witness to a plethora of graffiti. These inscriptions often reflected the interactions and experiences of bathers, from casual greetings to boastful claims of prowess. “Secundus deflowered many girls here” reads one such inscription, capturing the bravado and social dynamics of these communal spaces. The walls of the baths, much like those of the forum, served as a mirror to the society, reflecting its values, interactions, and even its more private moments.

Graffiti in Homes

While public spaces in Pompeii were rife with graffiti, private homes also bore witness to a variety of inscriptions, revealing intimate aspects of domestic life. The walls of these residences were not merely decorative but served as surfaces for personal expression, communication, and even humor. These private inscriptions offer a more nuanced understanding of the daily lives and relationships of Pompeians.

Within the confines of their homes, residents often used graffiti to document personal milestones and events. For example, one might find an inscription commemorating a birthday or a marriage. “On the 7th of October, I got married” is one such example, providing a glimpse into significant personal moments. These messages reveal the importance of family and personal relationships in Pompeian society, where even private milestones were immortalized on the walls of one’s home.

In addition to documenting personal events, homeowners also used graffiti to mark their territory or assert ownership. Phrases like “Beware of the owner” or “This house is mine” served as informal declarations of property rights. These inscriptions, often accompanied by rudimentary drawings or symbols, highlight the practical use of graffiti as a means of communication and security within the household. This practice underscores the multifunctional role of graffiti in Pompeian homes, serving both personal and practical purposes.

Social and Cultural Insights

The diverse array of graffiti in Pompeii provides invaluable insights into the social and cultural fabric of the city. These inscriptions serve as a window into the daily lives, beliefs, and interactions of its inhabitants, revealing a society that was as complex and multifaceted as our own.

One striking aspect is the evidence of social stratification and class dynamics. Graffiti in Pompeii often reflects the varied social standings of its residents, from slaves to wealthy merchants. For instance, inscriptions by slaves discussing their daily tasks or expressing longing for freedom offer a poignant glimpse into their lives and struggles. On the other hand, graffiti by affluent citizens often boasts of their achievements or social connections, highlighting the disparities in status and privilege. This contrast in graffiti content underscores the diverse social landscape of Pompeii.

The inscriptions also reveal much about the cultural and religious beliefs of Pompeians. Many graffiti include references to gods and goddesses, reflecting the polytheistic nature of Roman religion. Phrases like “Jupiter, best and greatest, help us” or “Venus, bless this union” illustrate the deep-seated religious beliefs that permeated all aspects of life. These inscriptions show how religion was intertwined with daily activities, providing both comfort and a sense of community. The presence of such religious graffiti in both public and private spaces underscores the significance of spirituality in Pompeian culture.

Preservation and Study

The preservation of Pompeii’s graffiti has been a remarkable feat, allowing modern scholars to study these ancient inscriptions in situ. The ash from Mount Vesuvius, which buried the city, played a crucial role in preserving these writings, offering an unaltered glimpse into the past. This preservation has provided archaeologists and historians with a unique resource for understanding the daily lives of ancient Romans.

Advanced techniques have further enhanced the study of Pompeian graffiti. Digital imaging and 3D modeling allow researchers to analyze inscriptions without causing damage, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Tools like Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) and photogrammetry have become invaluable in this regard, revealing details that may be invisible to the naked eye. These technologies have revolutionized the field, making it possible to decipher even the faintest inscriptions.