Introduction
Author: Claire Holleran, Associate Professor of Classics and Ancient History, University of Exeter.Context: This note discusses the upcoming film Ridley Scott’s "Gladiator II," paying particular attention to the anachronisms present in the film, one notable example being the depiction of a printing press, which historically would not align with the Roman timeline.
Graffiti in Ancient Rome
Importance of Graffiti
Graffiti serves as a vital and compelling form of mass communication within the fabric of ancient Roman society. It acted as a means for the populace to express thoughts, share information, and voice dissent, often circumventing formal channels of authority.
Forms of Graffiti
Graffiti in Rome took various forms, ranging from elaborate and formal inscriptions carved into stone or plaster on public buildings to more informal scratchings on walls and surfaces. The informal genre often reflected the day-to-day life and sentiments of ordinary Roman citizens.
Examples in Gladiator II
Notable scenes in "Gladiator II" highlight graffiti that displays a mix of humor, social commentary, and political dissent, effectively capturing the zeitgeist of the era. These instances enrich the narrative by providing a window into the popular voice during the Roman Empire, illustrating how common people engaged with and responded to their surroundings.
Historical Context of Graffiti
Maximus's Graffiti
In the film, Maximus's name is crudely carved on his tomb in the Colosseum, which carries deeper implications related to themes of damnatio memoriae—the practice of erasing someone's identity and legacy from historical records as a form of punishment. This concept resonates historically, as seen in the erasure of Emperor Geta's identity following his murder by his brother Caracalla, illustrating the dangers faced by those in power and their legacies.
Latin Scribbles
Among the details viewers might encounter are crude obscenities like "irrumabo imperatores," which alludes to Catullus’s provocative Poem 16. This phrase exemplifies the raw and often vulgar nature of graffiti that was prevalent at the time, serving as both personal expression and public commentary. Additionally, common graffiti artifacts found at archeological sites such as Pompeii display a range of contents including quotes from notable poets, greetings, price lists, and even children's drawings, providing a multifaceted view of daily life and social interaction in ancient Rome.
