Timeless Nature of Bawdy Jokes Illustrated in Ancient Roman Artworks
In the bustling streets of Pompeii and Herculaneum, archaeologists have unearthed a treasure trove of ancient graffiti, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Romans over 2,000 years ago. These hidden masterpieces, etched by amateur artists onto plaster walls, reveal a side of Roman society that is surprisingly reminiscent of modern-day urban life.
One intriguing piece of graffiti reads, "Restituta, take off your tunic, please, and show us your hairy privates", suggesting little change in human behaviour over the millennia. Another graffito, found next to a picture of a man with a large nose, reads, "Amplicatus, I know that Icarus is buggering you. Salvius wrote this", offering a glimpse into the rumour mill and gossip that must have been rife in Roman society.
The vivid pigments used in these ancient paintings have remarkably survived under the volcanic ash, preserving the art for future generations to appreciate. These graffiti works often feature risqué scenes, nude mythological figures, and phallic shapes, providing a glimpse into the Romans' more intimate and humorous side.
One example of a more serious graffito is, "Sanius to Cornelius: Go hang yourself", which might suggest a neighbourly dispute. Another graffito hints at thoughts of an ancient food critic with the quote, "The finance officer of the emperor Nero says this food is poison", offering a glimpse into the Roman culinary scene.
The Ancient Graffiti Project is a valuable resource for learning about this street art, providing insights into the daily lives, humour, and culture of the Romans in Pompeii and Herculaneum. Archaeologists had to carefully peel back layers of ash and dirt to reveal these hidden masterpieces, making their preservation and study all the more remarkable.
Interestingly, in 2024, graffiti was discovered in Jordan, but there are no specific records identifying who discovered these works. Another example of graffiti found outside of a basilica reads, "Lucilla made money from her body", offering a glimpse into the more scandalous side of Roman society.
These ancient graffiti works serve as a reminder that, despite the passage of time, human behaviour and art have remained remarkably consistent, with the walls of Pompeii and Herculaneum reflecting themes similar to those found on a bathroom stall at a local bar today.
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