Historians and archaeologists have been working to recover the everyday voices of Romans through various sources:

1. Inscriptions and Graffiti

One of the most direct ways we can hear from ordinary Romans is through graffiti and inscriptions. The city of Pompeii, preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, has provided thousands of graffiti messages written by common people. These messages range from political slogans to personal complaints and even love notes.

For example, one inscription from Pompeii reads:
"I am amazed, O wall, that you have not collapsed, bearing the tedious scribblings of so many writers."

This playful remark shows that even in ancient times, people had a sense of humor about public writing!

2. Letters and Documents

Archaeologists have discovered personal letters written by Romans, such as the Vindolanda tablets found in Britain. These wooden tablets date back to the 1st and 2nd centuries CE and contain messages between Roman soldiers stationed on the empire’s frontier. One particularly touching letter is an invitation to a birthday party from a Roman woman to her friend, one of the earliest known writings by a woman in Latin.

3. Funerary Inscriptions and Epitaphs

Tombstones and funerary inscriptions give us insight into the lives and values of ordinary Romans. Many of these inscriptions honor loved ones with heartfelt messages, giving us a glimpse into personal relationships and emotions in ancient times. Some even contain humor or complaints about life’s hardships, showing that Roman people experienced the same joys and frustrations as we do today.

4. Legal and Business Records

Ancient contracts, receipts, and legal documents also reveal the concerns of everyday Romans. These records show disputes over property, sales agreements, and even labor contracts for workers and entertainers. The preserved documents from Egypt’s dry climate provide details about economic transactions, trade, and even personal loans between citizens.

Why Does Reviving Roman Voices Matter?

For centuries, history focused mainly on the lives of emperors, generals, and elite scholars. However, the recent focus on ordinary Romans allows us to see the empire not just as a political or military power, but as a vibrant, complex society filled with real people who laughed, loved, struggled, and dreamed.

By reviving these voices, we gain a deeper and more personal understanding of Ancient Rome, making its history feel more alive and relatable. These voices remind us that history is not just about great leaders, but about the countless individuals who built, sustained, and lived in one of the greatest civilizations of the ancient world. shutdown123