The Real Voice of Ancient Rome

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One would think that societies that have millions of people, the majority of those who are in the lower class, would have more exposure and records written down about them than any other class for us to analyze. Unfortunately that is not the case. People who had wealth and power normally had the privilege to have records done for them for future societies and people to study and read. Luckily the graffiti in Roman society tells a lot about the political life that the everyday Roman lived by. Most of the graffiti that mentions anything politically related tend to seem as though they are sending a message that the particular politician they are talking about is either for or against the people. For instance some mention “All the goldsmiths support Gaius Cuspious Pansa for public works commissioner”(SNT p. 190). From this, one can probably assume that whoever decided to write this message was trying to conspire that there was some sort of connection between Gaius and goldsmiths that was either corrupt or simply he was a goldsmith and wanted to let others to support Gaius. But most likely it’s sending a message that the wealthy are supporting Gaius. Others that are much the same state “The mule-drivers support Gaius Julius Polybius for the mayor. Genialis supports Bruttius Balbus for mayor. He’ll balance the budget”(SNT p. 190). The inscription makes it seem as if Polybius is not the best choice to become mayor. It points out that possibly mayors before them spent money profusely without the concern of the lower class that consisted of commoners. The graffiti is much clear in favoring one person running for mayor, Balbus, and makes it clear that he is the obvious choice that will get the job done. Other markings take a d... ... middle of paper ... ...NT p. 190). The one thing that comes to mind when reading the statement is that the inscriptions might have been a tad farfetched. Although the tasks that he might have performed are plausible, they still seem unbelievable; only evidence would prove otherwise. In these modern days things like once ego can quickly become someone we are not. Especially in today’s society where social interaction through online is the norm, the similarities are evident. Despite the gap of many centuries, people’s opinions from back then are fairly similar to the ones that we have now. Perspectives range from cruel and intentional, or sweet and egotistical, the interesting thing is that people in modern times share similar viewpoints as those from the past. Works Cited Lockard, Craig A. Societies, Networks, and Transitions. 2nd ed. Vol. 1. Boston: Wadsworth, 2011. 190. Print.

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