Lesson 5 – Ancient Graffiti

Roman Graffiti Graffiti has been around for thousands of

years. Since people could draw or write, they have been doing it on walls.

The Roman Empire was no different, and, because the population was so literate, there was a fair amount of it

Graffiti was found perfectly preserved under ashes in the city of Pompeii

Graffiti in Pompeii

Graffiti in Pompeii In the vestibule of the House of Cuspius Pansa - The finances

officer of the emperor Nero says this food is poison Wood-Working Shop of Potitus - What a lot of tricks you use to

deceive, innkeeper. You sell water but drink unmixed wine. In the basilica - Let everyone one in love come and see.  I want to

break Venus’ ribs with clubs and cripple the goddess’ loins.  If she can strike through my soft chest, then why can’t I smash her head with a club?

Atrium of a House of the Large Brothel - Blondie has taught me to hate dark-haired girls.  I shall hat (hate) them, if I can, but I wouldn’t mind loving them.  Pompeian Venus Fisica wrote this.

House of the Vibii, Merchants - Atimetus got me pregnant House of Pascius Hermes - To the one defecating here.  Beware of

the curse.  If you look down on this curse, may you have an angry Jupiter for an enemy.

People Have Been Complaining for Millennia Graffiti has often been created to vent anger,

about love, work, friendship, money. Your job is to create a piece of graffiti that

would have been created by one of the citizens of Ancient Rome

You can either embody a Roman teenager, woman, or soldier

Your Assignment You will create a creative, but school

appropriate, piece of graffiti from Ancient Rome on a single piece of paper

You will then write a lengthy paragraph (minimum 6 sentences) defending your graffiti Tell the reader why your graffiti is a strong

representation of the way that person was treated during the Roman Empire

Due next class.