Recent excavations in Pompeii, Italy, have uncovered stunning murals and ancient Roman comic paintings that offer a raw peek into how ancient Romans lived, fought, loved, and died. These artworks showcase the relatable nature of human humor across time.
Recent excavations in Pompeii, Italy, have uncovered several stunning murals and ancient Roman comic paintings that offer a raw peek into how ancient Romans lived, fought, loved, and died. These ‘comics’ and graffiti, often overlooked by historians, provide a unique window into the daily lives of ancient citizens.
The discovery of these comic art pieces has breathed new life into our understanding of ancient Roman humor. Similar to modern-day comics, these artworks depict everyday scenes and anecdotes that showcase the relatable nature of human humor across time. The ‘bubble-word‘ inscriptions accompanying the figures in the funerary tombs provide a glimpse into the Aramaic language used by ancient Romans.
The remarkably well-preserved colors of these murals are a testament to their enduring quality. Despite being buried for over 1,500 years under volcanic ash, the vivid pigments have survived remarkably intact. Archaeologists had to carefully peel back layers of ash and dirt to reveal these hidden masterpieces.
The Pompeii excavations also uncovered other archaeological findings that shed light on ancient Roman street art. The ‘Ancient Graffiti Project‘ site provides detailed maps and insights into amateur art created by Roman citizens during the Flavian dynastic period in 79 C.E. These artworks often focused on risqué scenes of sexual encounters and nude mythological figures, reflecting the same themes found in modern-day bathroom stalls.
The graffiti works discovered at Pompeii offer a unique glimpse into ancient humor. Quotes such as ‘Sanius to Cornelius: Go hang yourself‘ and ‘Lucilla made money from her body‘ reflect everyday concerns and societal issues that are still relevant today. These artworks demonstrate that, despite the passing of time, human nature remains remarkably consistent.
The discovery of these ancient Roman comics has breathed new life into our understanding of ancient humor. By examining these artworks, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the relatable nature of human humor across time. The preservation of these murals and graffiti serves as a testament to their enduring quality, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Romans that is both fascinating and humorous.
Ancient Roman humor was often irreverent and sarcastic.
They used wordplay, satire, and ridicule to poke fun at 'politics' and social norms.
Roman writers like Juvenal and Martial used humor to critique the excesses of Roman society.
Slapstick comedy and farce were also popular forms of entertainment in ancient 'Rome'.
The Romans even had a god of laughter, Faunus, who was often depicted as a mischievous figure with horns and a beard.
- howstuffworks.com | Roman Comic Paintings Tell Us Crass Humor Is Timeless
