This page offers a short series of warm-up activities that can be used in association with our Featured Graffiti. Each category below presents a collection of 4-5 ancient graffiti that feature cultural information. In addition to text and translation, we have generated sample discussion questions to get students thinking about the life behind these writings.
Categories of graffiti:
Here is an example:
(Category: FOOD, graffito AGP-EDR167574)
Text:
Pompe ++ III S(emis)
P(ondo?) lard(i) a(ssibus) III
Vinum a(sse) S(emis)
Casium a(sse) S(emis)
Oleum a(sse) I
Panem a(ssibus) II S(emis)
Suar(ium?) a(ssibus) IIII
Translation:
At Pompeii(?) 3 ½ coins
1 pound of lard 3 coins
Wine 1 ½ coins
Cheese 1 ½ coins
Olive oil 1 coin
Bread 2 ½ coins
Pork 4 coins
Sample questions for discussion:
- What similarities or differences do you see between what the Romans ate and what you eat?
- Do you know how much a loaf of bread costs at the grocery store? Is it comparable to what the Romans paid for a loaf of bread?
- Why would someone buy lard?
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Nicole Wellington of Dana Hall School for creating these materials.