Considering the evidence: Pompeii as a window on the Roman World
August, 24, 79CE an eruption buried the Roman City Pompeii
It was a small and prosperous center for commerce
Numerous Wine, olive oil, and fishing industry
Centralized bathing/swimming pool, large markets, bars, small restraunts, brothel
Terentius Neo
Business man and magistrate
Owned slaves
Terentuius and his wife
Visual 6.1: Terentuis Neo and His Wife
What do you think the artist is trying to convey by highlighting the literacy of both people?
Relative Gender equality- women are sometimes educated
Visual 6.1: Terentuis Neo and His Wife
What overall impression of these two people and their relationship to each other does this painting suggest?
Married
Elite class-style and quality of clothes and fashionable hairstyle
Gender equality- standing next to each other at similar levels
Visual 6.2: A Pompeii Banquet
Visual 6.2: A Pompeii Banquet
What signs of social status are evident in this painting?
Elites- People sitting high up on couches, style of clothes
Slaves- lower on the floor and serve the elites
Acrobats- used for entertainment for elites
Inequality- A young boy is washing the foot of an elite
Visual 6.2: A Pompeii Banquet
How are slaves, shown here in the foreground portrayed?
Low class
Serve the elites
Social mobility impossible (unable to reach couches)
Clothes are old rags
Visual 6.3: Scenes in a Pompeii Tavern
Visual 6.3: Scenes in a Pompeii Tavern
Why do you think a tavern owner might have such paintings in his place of business?
To show what the tavern offers (advertisement)
Prostitution, alcohol, and gambling
Tavern- lower class
Visual 6.3: Scenes in a Pompeii Tavern
What might we learn about the tavern life from the images?
Catering to human vice
Visual 6.3: Scenes in a Pompeii Tavern
What roles did women play in the tavern?
Prostitutes attract customers and provide income
Servers