Pompeii

Contribution of graffiti to history * Graffiti was used primarily by political activists to make statements and street gangs to mark territory * Graffiti were scratched into the surface of any available wall with stylus, iron nail, wooden splinter or tooth pick. * Any man, women or child who wanted to share his or her thoughts, feelings or jokes, spread gossip, show their admiration or love for someone, keep a recod of gambling debts, add up shop accounts, remember important dates, advertise their service and fees, sing the praises of a gladiatorial champion, express contempt for a political or frequenter of a brotherl, or threaten an enemy, would not hesitate to express themselves on the face of a wall. * Many, including children, quoted and misquoted the great poets of the day * Amateur poets such as “Tiburtinis” wrote several lyric verses on the wall of “Odeon’’. * The Basilica in Pompeii, where justice was administrated, trials were held and business transactions carried out, featured some of the angrier graffiti. * Comments concerned with gambling and drinking were common in taverns * Lovers throughout Pompeii had no hesitation in expressing their deepest feelings on the cities walls * It may have seemed trash or nonsense at the time, but today, the ancient graffiti is an invaluable source of information about the inhabitants of Roman towns. Politics in Pompeii * Were self-governing in local matters, but subject to imperial decree from Rome. However, the emperor rarely interfered except where the empire’s security or local order were threatened. * Comitium: the people’s assembly. Included all adult male citizens including freedmen. Elected magistrates and voted honours. * Magistracy: Duumiviri (two) : Senior magistrates for 1 year Aediles: (two): Junior magistrates for 1 year, responsible for the judicial system, public works, administration, municipal cults, games and public entertainment and the markets. Quinquennial duumviri: Responsible for revising the ordo decurionum every 5 years. Qualifications included: male, freeborn, over 25, the required health and unblemished character. * Ordo decurionum: Made laws Its law carried out by the magistrates members called decuriones Never members admitted every 5 years lifetime membership membership varied, but usually around 100.