Uploaded October 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
In this video, we explore the fascinating world of ancient Rome with the discovery of electoral inscriptions in Pompeii, shedding light on political clientelism in the past. These inscriptions, akin to today's campaign posters, were unearthed within a house's walls that once held the Lararium, a domestic altar. This revelation highlights the existence of vote trading even in ancient times.
The surprising location of these inscriptions inside the house is explained by the common practice of hosting campaign events and dinners within candidates' homes. These gatherings aimed to promote electoral campaigns and foster connections.
Among the inscriptions, Aulus Rustius Verus emerges as a candidate for the position of aedile, responsible for public works and festivals in ancient Rome. Archaeologists deduce that he likely won these elections, as his name appears in various inscriptions.
Interestingly, the house housing these inscriptions also featured a bakery with a large oven. The bakery's presence hints at the prevalence of political clientelism, where favors were promised in exchange for votes.
Maria Chiara Scappathiccio, a professor of Latin, explains that councilors and bakers collaborated closely, with Aulus Rustius Verus recognizing the significance of bread in winning over voters. His initials, ARV, on a volcanic stone millstone support the theory that he financed the bakery for both economic and political purposes.
Furthermore, the discovery of votive offerings at the Lararium altar, including figs, dates, and eggs, suggests that rituals and political alliances were intertwined in ancient Pompeii. These findings provide a fascinating glimpse into the political and social dynamics of the past, where electoral campaigns and everyday life intersected in unexpected ways. #Pompeii #AncientRome #ElectoralInscriptions
In this video, we explore the fascinating world of ancient Rome with the discovery of electoral inscriptions in Pompeii, shedding light on political clientelism in the past. These inscriptions, akin to today's campaign posters, were unearthed within a house's walls that once held the Lararium, a domestic altar. This revelation highlights the existence of vote trading even in ancient times.
The surprising location of these inscriptions inside the house is explained by the common practice of hosting campaign events and dinners within candidates' homes. These gatherings aimed to promote electoral campaigns and foster connections.
Among the inscriptions, Aulus Rustius Verus emerges as a candidate for the position of aedile, responsible for public works and festivals in ancient Rome. Archaeologists deduce that he likely won these elections, as his name appears in various inscriptions.
Interestingly, the house housing these inscriptions also featured a bakery with a large oven. The bakery's presence hints at the prevalence of political clientelism, where favors were promised in exchange for votes.
Maria Chiara Scappathiccio, a professor of Latin, explains that councilors and bakers collaborated closely, with Aulus Rustius Verus recognizing the significance of bread in winning over voters. His initials, ARV, on a volcanic stone millstone support the theory that he financed the bakery for both economic and political purposes.
Furthermore, the discovery of votive offerings at the Lararium altar, including figs, dates, and eggs, suggests that rituals and political alliances were intertwined in ancient Pompeii. These findings provide a fascinating glimpse into the political and social dynamics of the past, where electoral campaigns and everyday life intersected in unexpected ways. #Pompeii #AncientRome #ElectoralInscriptions
