Children’s Drawings in Pompeii: A Window into Ancient Childhood
Recent discoveries in the ancient city of Pompeii, located in southern Italy, have unveiled intriguing insights into the lives of Roman children. Drawings made by children, aged between 5 and 7 years, were found on the walls of a courtyard in the house of the Cenacle on the island of the Chaste lovers. These charcoal artworks depict scenes of gladiators, hunters, ball games, and even a bear hunt, providing a unique perspective on childhood and the exposure to violence in ancient Roman society.
Understanding the Impact of Violence on Young Minds
Researchers from the archaeological zone explain that these children likely witnessed the brutal spectacles firsthand in amphitheaters, where real blood was shed, and their artworks reflect this exposure. The scenes are not just limited to fights but also include depictions of boxing matches. This discovery has led to a collaborative study between the park and the department of child neuropsychiatry of the Federico II University of Naples to understand the psychological impact of such early exposure to violence.
Enhancing Accessibility and Ongoing Research
The island of the Chaste lovers has undergone a restoration process and now includes a network of suspended walkways accessible by elevator, allowing visitors to view these and other artifacts from above. Among the finds are the remains of two victims who perished during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, a woman and a man, discovered in front of the house of the Worker Painters. The house also holds a unique painting of a small hooded child, possibly the deceased son of the homeowners, adding another layer to the rich tapestry of Pompeian life. The Italian Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, reaffirmed the importance of ongoing excavation efforts, underscoring that “Pompeii continues to reveal new and wonderful discoveries, cementing its status as an extraordinary treasure chest.”
- During the restoration and excavation of the island of the Chaste lovers, various Roman architectural elements were revealed, showing the mixed use of spaces from productive to residential areas. This project aims to provide better public access and understanding of ancient Roman life.
- The collaboration between the Archaeological Park of Pompeii and the department of child neuropsychiatry of the Federico II University of Naples is exploring the effects of witnessing violence on the psycho-mental development of children, comparing ancient experiences with modern phenomena like violent video games and social media.
- These findings highlight the importance of interdisciplinary studies in archaeology, merging fields such as psychology, history, and technology to gain a comprehensive understanding of ancient cultures and their impacts on human development.
