Ancient Graffiti: Archaeological Evidence of the Common People

Ancient Graffiti reveals the Lives of the Ancient Common People

Translating and studying ancient graffiti is one of the most important sources for rediscovering the lives of the common people. For instance, Dr. Hawass’ examination of the graffiti in the Great Pyramid of Khufu has provided amazing evidence which supports the theory that builders of the pyramids were seasonal workers, middle class men of Egypt! Along with excavation of the Giza builder’s cemetery the theory had been a difficult one to accept, because biblical scripture has always held that the pyramids were constructed in the blood and sweat of Jewish slaves. However, archaeology has revealed the builders were middle class men, who were paid, fed, and greatly respected. This discovery has also squashed the radical theory that the pyramids were built by ALIENS, it finally gives credit to what really happened in the past!

Another major example of graffiti revealing the lives of the middle class can be found in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, which had been sealed over in 79 AD in the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. When archaeologists began to uncover this find in the nineteenth and twentieth-century they were able to translate graffiti art which had survived all around the city. The graffiti generally displayed the thoughts and political opinions of the common men. I have supplied a link below of some translations of graffiti art from Latin into English.

(Translated Graffiti from Pompeii) http://www.pompeiana.org/Resources/Ancient/Graffiti%20from%20Pompeii.htm

(Dr. Hawass’ writing’s on the discovery at Giza). http://www.drhawass.com/events/cemetery-pyramid-builders