G10 WALL INSCRIPTIONS FROM POMPEII AD 79

​In AD 79, the city of Pompeii (in Italy) was destroyed by a volcanic eruption. The lava and ash from Mt. Vesuvius completely buried the city. Sixteen hundred years later, remains of the city were discovered preserved in the layers of ash. Excavation of Pompeii started in the 18th century and yielded much valuable information about life in ancient Roman times. For example, many messages were found scratched on the city walls. They include advertisements, announcements for gladiator fights, and notices for upcoming elections.

​Notices of Gladiatorial Games, etc. “Twenty pairs of gladiators provided by Quintus Monnius Rufus, are to fight at Nola May 1, 2 and 3, and there will be a hunt.” “The gladiatorial troop of the aedile Aulius Suettius Certus will fight at Pompeii May 31. There will be a hunt, and awnings will be provided.” “Twenty pairs of gladiators furnished by Decimus Lucretius Satrius Valens perpetual priest of Nero, son of the Emperor, and ten pairs of gladiators furnished by Decimus Lucretius Valens his son, will fight at Pompeii April 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. There will be a big hunt and awnings. Aemilius Celer wrote this by the light of the moon.”

​Election Notices and Appeals
“Vesonius Primus urges the election of Gnaeus Helvius as aedile,—a man worthy of public office.” “Vesonius Primus requests the election of Gaius Gavius Rufus as duumvir, a man who will serve the public interest—do elect him, I beg of you.” “Primus and his household are working for the election of Gnaeus Helvius Sabinus as aedile.” “Make Lucius Caeserninus quinquennial duumvir of Nuceria, I beg you: he is a good man.” “At the request of the neighbors Suedius Clemens, most upright judge, is working for the election of Marcus Epidius Sabinus, a worthy young man, as duumvir with judicial authority. He begs you to elect him.”

​Inscriptions of General and Various Interest Written on the walls of a sleeping room in another inn, by some affectionate husband, “Here slept Vibius Restitutus all by himself his heart filled with longings for his Urbana.” Advertisement painted on a wall, “To rent from the first day of next July, shops with the floors over them, fine upper chambers, and a house, in the Arnius Pollio block, owned by Gnaeus Alleius Nigidius Maius. Prospective lessees may apply to Primus, slave of Gnaeus Alleius Nigidius Maius.” Another advertisement, “To let, for the term of five years, from the thirteenth day of next August to the thirteenth day of the sixth August thereafter, the Venus bath, fitted up for the best people, shops, rooms over shops, and second-story apartments in the property owned by Julia Felix, daughter of Spurius.” Notice for a lost article, “A copper pot has been taken from this shop. Whoever brings it back will receive 65 sesterces. If any one shall hand over the thief [he will be rewarded (?)].”

​Messages and expressions from lovers are many; examples: “He who has never been in love can 4 be no gentleman.” “Health to you, Victoria, and wherever you are may you sneeze sweetly.” “Restitutus has many times deceived many girls.” (Written on a wall.) “Romula keep tryst here with Staphylus.” Some lovers expressed themselves in verse, thus:— “If any man seek My girl from me to turn, On far-off mountains bleak, My Love the scoundrel burn!” Again,— “If you a man would be,— If you know what love can do,— Have pity and suffer me With welcome to come to you.” Notice by a gamester, “At Nuceria, I won 855½ denarii by gaming,—fair play.”

​Copies of Wax Tablets Relating to Business Transactions [This was not scratched on the wall, but was a business document found carefully packed in a wooden box in the house of Lucius Caecilius Jucundus, which was excavated in 1875. The wooden bases of the tablets had turned to charcoal, but it was possible to decipher much of the writing.] “Entry of account of Umbricia Januaria. Umbricia Januaria declares that she has received from Lucius Caecilius Jucundus 11,039 sesterces which sum came into the hands of Lucius Caecilius Jucundus by agreement as the proceeds of an auction sale for Umbricia Januaria, the commission due him having been deducted.” “Done at Pompeii, on the 12th of December, in the consulship of Lucius Duvius and Publius Clodius.” (AD 56) (Many witnesses follow.)

Open Ended

What kind of notices did Vesonius Primus leave?

Open Ended

What kind of poems were written on the walls?

Open Ended

Why do you think the Pompeiians wrote on the walls?