Revealing Pompeii's Dark Secrets: Children's Drawings Depicting Gladiators and Executions Discovered
Recent excavations at Pompeii reveal intriguing children's sketches portraying intense battles between gladiators and ferocious animals. These artistic depictions shed light on the brutal spectacles witnessed by young spectators in ancient Pompeii.
Children’s drawings of violent scenes depicting gladiators and hunters fighting animals were recently discovered at the archaeological park of Pompeii, according to the park’s superintendent.
The sketches, believed to have been created by children aged five to seven before the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD, were found on the walls of a back room in the residential sector known as the “Island of chaste lovers” within the archaeological park.
Even children in ancient times were known to be exposed to extreme violence, as revealed by recent findings.
According to Gabriel Zuchtriegel, this issue is not unique to modern times with the influence of video games and social media.
In ancient times, the bloodshed in the arena was real. Few people saw it as a problem, despite the possible negative effects on the mental and psychological development of children in Pompeii.
The drawings are thought to be the work of children aged 5-7.
The drawings are thought to be the work of children aged 5-7.
Archaeological Park of Pompeii
Visitors to the park can now view the drawings from above on suspended walkways while archaeologists are busy working on the site. The drawings show a battle between two gladiators holding spears, facing what appears to be wild boars. Nearby, there is the head of a bird of prey that experts believe could be an eagle.
The drawings feature a child’s hands outlined in charcoal and people playing with a ball.
In addition, there is a boxing scene showing both boxers seemingly knocked out on the ground, as described by the park.
An older drawing on the adjacent wall appears to have been created by an older child using red mineral pigment instead of charcoal. However, it was partially hidden under whitewash, indicating that the room was being repainted to conceal the children's artwork on the walls, according to archaeologists.
Visitors can look at the drawings from suspended walkways.
Visitors can look at the drawings from suspended walkways.
Archaeological Park of Pompeii
Researchers believe that the older painting, which was probably created by an older child, shows a detailed marine scene featuring two ships and fantastical fish. One of the fish is shown being caught on a hook.
It is also believed that children who created these paintings may have witnessed violence.
Pompeii park is now working together with the Department of Child Neuropsychiatry at Naples’ Federico II University to research the children’s art.
It has been discovered that the drawings are most likely based on directly witnessing an event rather than being influenced by pictorial models.
Zuchtriegel mentioned that some of the children who played in the courtyard may have seen fights in the amphitheater. This exposure to extreme violence, such as executions of criminals and slaves, could have influenced their experiences. Additionally, the children played among the kitchens, latrine, and flowerbeds used for growing vegetables.
Furthermore, Zuchtriegel pointed out that the drawings created by the children reflect how this exposure affected their imagination. The impact of witnessing such violence at a young age can shape their development, similar to how it still impacts children today.
Pompeii: a dining room decorated with characters and subjects inspired by the Trojan war has emerged from the new excavations
Pompeii: a dining room decorated with characters and subjects inspired by the Trojan war has emerged from the new excavations
Archaeological Park of Pompeii
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Archaeologists discovered stunning frescoes of mythological characters in Pompeii. In addition to the drawings, they also found the petrified remains of a man and a woman who died during the volcanic eruption that preserved the ancient Roman city like a time capsule. This discovery dates back to the 16th century.
The presumed couple were discovered in front of a house being renovated, as indicated by the construction materials present at the location.
Archaeologists also found a painting of a young child wearing a hood that they believe is unique in Pompeii. The painting may be a tribute to a child who had passed away, as suggested by the park. The child in the painting was depicted with clusters of grapes and pomegranates, along with a small dog, gazing towards the garden where other children's drawings were located.
The ongoing excavations are aimed at preserving the ancient site, which has been left to deteriorate over the years.
Previous findings at the site have unveiled a prison bakery and a luxurious dining area adorned with mythological figures on the walls.
