Archaeologists have made a fascinating discovery in the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the Italian city that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption. In a building along Via di Nola, which is one of the city’s longest streets, they found “electoral inscriptions” on the walls dating back almost 2,000 years. What makes these inscriptions even more intriguing is that they appear to mention a candidate named Aulus Rustius Verus who was running for office. Experts believe that Verus may have bribed voters with bread, and it is possible that he and his supporters were caught in the catastrophic eruption of nearby Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
The inscriptions, which were found inside a house in Pompeii, were described by Pompeii Archaeological Park as “the ancient equivalent of today’s electoral posters and postcards.” Typically, political inscriptions during the Roman period would be located on the outside of buildings to be visible to passersby. It is unusual, however, that these inscriptions were found on the inside walls of the building. According to Pompeii Archaeological Park, this suggests that these inscriptions may have been displayed during events such as dinners to promote Verus’ electoral campaign to guests.
Verus was campaigning for the role of “aedile,” a type of magistrate responsible for the maintenance of public buildings. Other inscriptions throughout Pompeii have been found mentioning him, indicating that he was an important figure and likely successfully elected as an aedile. While it is not certain what Verus was doing at the time of the eruption, it is speculated that he may have been residing in one of Pompeii’s largest and most luxurious houses known as the House of the Centenary.
The newly discovered inscriptions were found in the room that housed a domestic altar and a shrine to the spirits known as the lararium. The analysis of these inscriptions has revealed that the last offerings made to the spirits were burned figs and dates. Additionally, there are remains of a large oven in the building, suggesting that it may have housed a bakery. Researchers believe that giving out bread in exchange for votes was a common political practice at the time. Verus is thought to have funded the bakery to capitalize on the demand for bread and gain more supporters.
Excavations in Pompeii continue to shed light on the lives of its ancient inhabitants. More efforts are being made to improve the conservation conditions of houses and shops along Via di Nola, which may unveil further insights into life before the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius. This eruption wiped out Pompeii, as well as other nearby settlements, such as Herculaneum, Torre Annunziata, and Stabiae, and resulted in the tragic loss of up to 16,000 lives. The bodies of the victims were remarkably preserved in ash before decaying, and since the mid-1800s, plaster casts have been made to recreate their final moments.
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 was a catastrophic event that forever changed the landscape of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Mount Vesuvius is the only active volcano in continental Europe and is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. The eruption caused a dense collection of hot gas and volcanic materials known as pyroclastic flows, which traveled at high speeds and temperatures, instantly killing every resident in their path. Letters from Pliny the Younger, an administrator and poet who witnessed the disaster from a distance, describe the eruption and its devastating impact on the towns. The event caught the residents of Pompeii unaware, and the aftermath left the cities buried under ashes and rock fragments.
The excavation of Pompeii and Herculaneum has provided unparalleled insight into Roman life. Archaeologists continue to uncover new findings, such as the recent discovery of a well-preserved alleyway of grand houses with intact balconies. These discoveries allow us to better understand the daily lives of the ancient Romans and the impact of the eruption that changed history. The tragic events of AD 79 may have ended the lives of these cities, but they have also preserved them, allowing us to explore and learn from their past.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
