According to researchers, these doodles provide valuable insights into the thought processes and life preferences of young ancient Romans. Scientists estimate that the artists behind these drawings were around 5 to 7 years old, a conclusion drawn from the size of a hand traced in charcoal by one of the young creators.
The ancient graffiti were discovered on the walls of a ruined house known to scholars as the Casa del Cenacolo Colonnato. The drawings revealed that gladiator fights were a common reality for these children. The budding artists also depicted hunters pursuing wild boar and playing ball games, as reported by ILFScience.
In a report published in Pompeii’s Excavations e-Journal, the scientists noted that the images on the walls indicated that ancient Roman children attended amphitheaters, watched bloody battles, and were thus well-acquainted with the brutal realities of life in the ancient world.
“The drawings from Casa del Cenacolo Colonnato are direct evidence of the meeting between the child’s soul—so impressionable and full of imagination—and the brutal entertainments of the time, such as gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and the executions of criminals and slaves,” the researchers added.
It’s worth remembering that the ancient Roman city of Pompeii in southern Italy was buried under six meters of pyroclastic material due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, resulting in the deaths of about 2,000 residents. The ruins of Pompeii were first discovered in the 16th century, with excavations beginning in 1748. Today, the site of this tragedy is home to the archaeological park of Pompeii, which is the second most visited archaeological site in the world.
Researchers recalled that “several recent studies have found a link between early exposure to images and films depicting violence and high levels of aggression in adolescence and adulthood.” Instead of thrillers and action movies, the children of Pompeii witnessed the real horrors of life.
According to Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the archaeological park of Pompeii, the drawings of gladiators and hunters were based on real experiences. The children likely witnessed scenes of violence firsthand. This conclusion was reached by the park director in collaboration with psychologists from the University of Naples Federico II, as reported by The Guardian.
In addition to these drawings, excavation participants found the remains of a man and a woman working in what is known as the “House of Artists.” This villa earned its name because it was filled with pots of paint and bowls for mixing them.
Commenting on the recent discovery, Gennaro Sangiuliano, Italy’s Minister of Culture, remarked that Pompeii is an “extraordinary treasure trove.” The ancient city continues to unveil new and remarkable secrets.