Public Life - Pompeii

Public life in Pompeii

A position in local government you had a high social status
Valued very highly

Political structure

There were 3 political institutions
- comutuim (council/assembly ­ elect magistrates)
- Odro decuriorium (legislative body ­ decision
makers)
- Magistracy/magistrates (implemented decisions
made by ordo)

Types of Magistrate
1.…

Holding public office/position of magistrate held
substantial financial obligations
Candidates were expected to be able to `pay their way'
(property/financial qualifications)

Elected officials were expected to give generously and
spend money on the local community PUBLIC
BENEFACTION

The ordo would grant land/space but magistrates would
have to pay for it…

Wealthy freedmen

Trying to buy popularity/public office/position in politics
for sons or next generation

Could not reach a political position of power themselves
(although they could be voted in a priest of the imperial cult
­ can pay for buildings/make donations in order to buy
power for future generations (who…

Herm ­ much more simple bit like a headstone

Gives us an idea of family size

The families of the deceased visited them every year

Honored the dead by using offerings usually wine liquid
offering was called a libation

Tombs were located outside the city gates as they believed
that…

What do tombs tell us?

Constructs an image of the decease
-Chosen by themselves/family members

Biographical information
-Who they were
- How they died
-Occupation
-Dates ­ birth and death
-Status within the community

Advertisements of a persons status
-Size of tomb
-Inscriptions
-Type
-Decoration
-Impressive tomb added prestige of…