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2.2

2.2.1 Fresco from the Bar of Salvius
2.2.2 Scene 1
2.2.3 Scene 2
2.2.4 Scene 3
2.2.5 Scene 4

2.2.1 Fresco from the Bar of Salvius

Historical background

Customers at Roman bars could enjoy a menu of simple foods such as olives, bread, and stews, and wines probably of varying quality. Some larger bars also provided accommodation. In Roman bars a wide variety of people – including slaves and the lower classes – could meet and socialise. This might be why in Roman literature they are often associated with illegal, violent and immoral behaviour, and are not somewhere for ‘respectable’ Romans.

Given the large number of dice found in Pompeii and other Roman towns, we can safely say the Romans enjoyed playing games with dice and counters. Gambling with dice, however, was often associated with drinking and violent arguments in Roman literature, which may explain why it was illegal, except during the Saturnalia festival. It is highly unlikely, however, that everyone obeyed this law!

Evidence

The Bar of Salvius was on the corner of two busy streets (Mercurio & Vettii). The name was given to it by Historians due to the election notice for Salvius painted on its wall, the actual name of the owner is unknown.

These four pictures form a kind of ‘cartoon’ depicting life in a Pompeian bar. They seem to have been painted quickly and with far less skill than the beautiful wall paintings (frescoes) in the wealthy houses. They give a rare glimpse into the language and life of Pompeii’s lower classes.

2.2.2 Scene 1

Historical background

Customers at Roman bars could enjoy a menu of simple foods such as olives, bread, and stews, and wines probably of varying quality. Some larger bars also provided accommodation. In Roman bars a wide variety of people – including slaves and the lower classes – could meet and socialise. This might be why in Roman literature they are often associated with illegal, violent and immoral behaviour, and are not somewhere for ‘respectable’ Romans.

Given the large number of dice found in Pompeii and other Roman towns, we can safely say the Romans enjoyed playing games with dice and counters. Gambling with dice, however, was often associated with drinking and violent arguments in Roman literature, which may explain why it was illegal, except during the Saturnalia festival. It is highly unlikely, however, that everyone obeyed this law!

Evidence

This shows two people embracing and the caption reads: I don’t want a jug with Myrtale

This is sometimes listed as a man and a woman, but it has also been suggested that the long ankle length dresses suggest that both are women.

‘Jug’ here could be slang for either kiss or drink.

2.2.3 Scene 2

Historical background

Customers at Roman bars could enjoy a menu of simple foods such as olives, bread, and stews, and wines probably of varying quality. Some larger bars also provided accommodation. In Roman bars a wide variety of people – including slaves and the lower classes – could meet and socialise. This might be why in Roman literature they are often associated with illegal, violent and immoral behaviour, and are not somewhere for ‘respectable’ Romans.

Given the large number of dice found in Pompeii and other Roman towns, we can safely say the Romans enjoyed playing games with dice and counters. Gambling with dice, however, was often associated with drinking and violent arguments in Roman literature, which may explain why it was illegal, except during the Saturnalia festival. It is highly unlikely, however, that everyone obeyed this law!

Evidence

This shows two men sitting in a bar, a barmaid approaches them carrying a cup and jug of wine.

Speaker 1 (customer): Over here!

Speaker 2 (another customer): No! It’s mine

Speaker 3 (barmaid): Let whoever wants it take it. Oceanus, come and drink!

Oceanus could either be a character outside of the scene or ‘Oceanus’ could be a generic name for a burly man or gladiator and therefore the name could be used to mock one of the smaller drinkers.

2.2.4 Scene 3

Historical background

Customers at Roman bars could enjoy a menu of simple foods such as olives, bread, and stews, and wines probably of varying quality. Some larger bars also provided accommodation. In Roman bars a wide variety of people – including slaves and the lower classes – could meet and socialise. This might be why in Roman literature they are often associated with illegal, violent and immoral behaviour, and are not somewhere for ‘respectable’ Romans.

Given the large number of dice found in Pompeii and other Roman towns, we can safely say the Romans enjoyed playing games with dice and counters. Gambling with dice, however, was often associated with drinking and violent arguments in Roman literature, which may explain why it was illegal, except during the Saturnalia festival. It is highly unlikely, however, that everyone obeyed this law!

Evidence

Two men sit playing dice:

Speaker 1 (player 1):  I’m out! (i.e. I have made a good throw)

Speaker 2 (player 2): That’s not a three – it’s a two.

2.2.5 Scene 4

Historical background

Customers at Roman bars could enjoy a menu of simple foods such as olives, bread, and stews, and wines probably of varying quality. Some larger bars also provided accommodation. In Roman bars a wide variety of people – including slaves and the lower classes – could meet and socialise. This might be why in Roman literature they are often associated with illegal, violent and immoral behaviour, and are not somewhere for ‘respectable’ Romans.

Given the large number of dice found in Pompeii and other Roman towns, we can safely say the Romans enjoyed playing games with dice and counters. Gambling with dice, however, was often associated with drinking and violent arguments in Roman literature, which may explain why it was illegal, except during the Saturnalia festival. It is highly unlikely, however, that everyone obeyed this law!

Evidence

This painting has been damaged since it was discovered, so it is hard to make out what is happening. Luckily the reproduction was created before the damage occurred.

It shows two men, who are arguing – we have removed the very rude insult! – being thrown out of the tavern by a third man:

Speaker 1 (player 1):  Cheat! I threw a three, it was me’.

Speaker 2 (player 2):  Please! ******, it was me’.

Speaker 3 (bar manager): You’re both going outside. You’re fighting’

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