Ancient Pompeii’s Hidden Messages, Preserved in Graffiti | Jacqueline DiBiasie-Sammons | TED

Summary

The video script explores the world of ancient Roman graffiti found in Pompeii, offering a window into the lives of ordinary people in antiquity. It highlights the differences between modern and ancient graffiti, emphasizing the social acceptance and widespread nature of these messages. The speaker's personal connection to Latin and Roman history is shared, along with insights into how studying these graffiti can reveal more about human nature and our own identities. The script also discusses the variety of graffiti, from simple names to intricate drawings and playful messages, reflecting the creativity and daily life of the Pompeiians before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Takeaways

• 📜 The ancient Romans used graffiti as a form of communication, much like modern social media, to share news, thoughts, and drawings on public walls.
• 🌋 The preservation of graffiti in Pompeii is largely due to the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which froze time and preserved these messages.
• 👶 The graffito about 'Iuvenilla' provides a personal glimpse into the lives of ancient Romans and raises curiosity about the fate of those mentioned in the graffiti.
• 📚 The study of Latin graffiti offers a unique perspective into the lives of ordinary Romans, especially those marginalized in historical records, such as women and the enslaved.
• 🎨 Ancient graffiti differed from modern counterparts; they were often welcomed and even permitted, appearing in nearly every space within a city.
• 🖌️ Graffiti in ancient Pompeii were typically created by scratching into wall plaster with sharp instruments, unlike modern graffiti which are often spray-painted.
• 🖼️ Some graffiti were more artistic, using charcoal or chalk to create more elaborate and playful messages and drawings.
• 💖 The exchange between 'Prima' and 'Secundus' through graffiti showcases the personal and emotional connections between individuals in ancient Pompeii.
• 🏛️ The graffiti found in Pompeii, including names, greetings, and drawings, provide valuable insights into the social dynamics and daily life of the city's inhabitants.
• 📝 The study of ancient graffiti is not only about the content of the messages but also the aesthetics and the intentions behind the writing and drawing.
• 🌟 The urge to leave a mark, whether through writing or art, is a timeless human desire that connects us to our ancient predecessors.

Q & A

What is the significance of the graffito mentioning 'Iuvenilla' found in Pompeii?

The graffito mentioning 'Iuvenilla' is significant because it provides a glimpse into the personal lives of ancient Romans. It was a birth announcement made by a parent on the walls of Pompeii nearly 2,000 years ago, offering a rare personal narrative from antiquity.

How did the eruption of Mount Vesuvius contribute to the preservation of graffiti in Pompeii?

The catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD led to the destruction and burial of Pompeii under volcanic ash. This event inadvertently preserved many aspects of daily life, including the graffiti on the walls, which would have otherwise been lost to time.

What was the narrator's personal connection to the study of Roman history and Latin?

The narrator has been interested in Romans since childhood and shares their birthday with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. They began learning Latin in high school and continued their studies in college, where they discovered the value of Latin graffiti as a source of understanding the lives of ordinary Romans.

How did ancient graffiti differ from modern graffiti in terms of public perception and legality?

Ancient graffiti were welcomed and often permitted, appearing in various public and private spaces. In contrast, modern graffiti is typically considered illegal or taboo in urban centers today.

What tools were used by the ancient Romans to create graffiti?

Ancient Romans typically used sharp instruments like styluses or nails to scratch their graffiti into wall plaster. Some graffiti were also written with more perishable materials like charcoal and chalk, which have largely not survived to the present day.

What does the graffiti 'Oh wall, I'm amazed you haven't fallen down, holding up so many scribblings' reveal about the Pompeiians' attitude towards their graffiti culture?

This repeated message across Pompeii indicates that the Pompeiians were aware of the abundance of graffiti covering their walls. It suggests a culture where graffiti was both common and accepted, and perhaps even a source of local humor.

How does the narrator's research focus on less studied forms of graffiti contribute to our understanding of ancient Roman society?

The narrator's research on graffiti written with perishable materials like charcoal and chalk provides insights into the aesthetics and creativity of the ancient Romans. These forms of graffiti are often more elaborate and elegant than their inscribed counterparts, offering a richer understanding of Roman expression and art.

What is the significance of the graffiti written in the Roman cursive script found on the gates leading out of Pompeii?

The graffiti in Roman cursive script demonstrates the elegance and individuality of personal writing styles in ancient Rome. The message 'Victor with Phyloterus everywhere', written with flourishes and a playful branch, showcases the artistic nature of even utilitarian communications.

How do the graffiti messages between 'Prima' and 'Secundus' provide insight into the social interactions of Pompeii's residents?

The exchange of greetings between 'Prima' and 'Secundus' illustrates the personal connections and social dynamics of the Pompeiians. It suggests a culture where public declarations of affection or friendship were common, and where the act of writing on walls was a form of communication and community engagement.

What can the graffiti from Pompeii teach us about human nature and communication?

The graffiti from Pompeii demonstrate that the desire to express oneself publicly and leave a mark behind is a persistent aspect of human nature. It also shows that communication through writing and art is a fundamental part of our shared history, transcending time and culture.

How does the final graffito 'On September 3, Satura was here' reflect the enduring human desire to leave a trace of oneself?

This graffito exemplifies the timeless human impulse to leave a mark as a form of self-expression and to create a lasting impression. Despite the destruction of Pompeii, this simple message has survived, preserving Satura's memory for future generations.