By: April Carson
In a remarkable discovery that sheds light on the lives of children in ancient Pompeii, archaeologists have uncovered stick figure drawings suggesting that young spectators were present at brutal gladiator fights. These drawings, found on the wall of a courtyard, offer a vivid glimpse into how the spectacles of violence deeply permeated Roman society—even to its youngest members.
Ancient Drawings, Modern Revelations
The drawings, made with charcoal and likely created by children aged five to seven, depict a pair of gladiators in combat, each armed with a shield and sword. Intriguingly, the background features "bestiarii"—professional hunters—prodding wild animals, possibly boars, with lances. These depictions indicate that children not only witnessed gladiatorial combat but also the wild animal hunts that were popular in Roman amphitheaters.
Pompeii's Amphitheatre: A Hub of Violence
Pompeii boasted its own amphitheater, akin to Rome's Colosseum, where such violent spectacles were staged. The drawings' authenticity is underpinned by the presence of a bird of prey's head, likely an eagle, which adds a layer of realism and context to the scene. This suggests the children's exposure to these events was direct and unmediated by artistic interpretation or secondhand accounts.
Boxing and Tragedy
In addition to the gladiatorial scenes, another room revealed a drawing of a boxing match, capturing the moment one fighter appears to have delivered a knockout blow. This variety of violent imagery suggests that children in Pompeii were familiar with multiple forms of public entertainment involving violence.
Archaeologists also found three small hand outlines traced in charcoal, providing a poignant reminder of the young ages of these ancient artists. The preservation of these delicate drawings owes much to the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, which buried Pompeii in ash and pumice, freezing these moments in time.
Understanding Ancient Childhood
The discovery offers a profound insight into childhood in ancient Roman times. The depiction of such violence by young children draws parallels to modern concerns about the impact of violent media on youth. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, emphasized that the children's drawings likely stemmed from firsthand experiences. “The exposure to extreme forms of violence, even for small children aged between five and seven, is not only a problem in our own times with the advent of video games and social media. The difference is that during antiquity, the blood spilt on the arena was real.”
Psychological Impacts and Ongoing Research
Witnessing such brutality must have left a lasting impact on the psychological health of these young Pompeiians. This aspect of the discovery is currently being studied by experts in child psychology from the University of Naples Federico II. The research aims to understand how these experiences shaped the children’s development and worldview.
Alongside the drawings, archaeologists unearthed the skeletons of two victims of the volcanic eruption, found in a narrow corridor where they sought shelter. The site also yielded frescoes featuring mythological scenes with centaurs, sirens, griffins, and deities like Apollo, Aphrodite, and Dionysus.
These findings collectively paint a vivid picture of life in Pompeii, highlighting both the grandeur and the grimmer aspects of Roman entertainment and its impact on society. The children’s drawings serve as a stark reminder of the past, echoing across millennia, illustrating how even the youngest were inescapably drawn into the violent spectacles that characterized ancient Roman culture.
A Child’s Perspective of the World Today w/ Lis & Billy Carson
About the Blogger:
April Carson is a remarkable individual whose life has been shaped by her determination, dedication, and unwavering passion for both education and sports. Born as the daughter of Billy Carson, she embarked on a journey that would lead her to outstanding achievements and a profound impact on her community.
April's academic journey commenced at Jacksonville University, where she pursued her love for the Social Sciences. She quickly distinguished herself as a diligent student, displaying an insatiable curiosity for understanding the world around her. Her commitment to her studies was matched only by her desire to make a difference in her chosen field.
While her academic pursuits were certainly impressive, it was April's involvement in sports that truly set her apart. She was not just a student at Jacksonville University; she was also a vital member of the Women's Basketball team. On the court, April's dedication and talent were evident for all to see. She exhibited leadership, teamwork, and a relentless drive to excel, qualities that would become hallmarks of her personality both on and off the court.
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