Ancient Pompeii, famous for its tragic destruction following the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. that buried it completely. It offers us, thanks to artifacts and paintings found during excavations, a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of its inhabitants. These discoveries unearthed during the archaeological excavations give us a glimpse into the lives of all the ancient Pompeians, and even the children, who lived in ancient Pompeii.
Not only the habits, diet, and activities of the ancient Pompeians but also the games that entertained the little ones.
There are many frescos found in houses and workshops, not only in Pompeii but also in Herculaneum, through which it has been possible to trace the activities and games that involved children at that time.
Games and activities very similar to those that our children play today.
So what were the favorite activities that Pompeian children did in their free time?
Pompeian children’s main activities
First, one of the favorite games of Pompeian children was an activity similar to the modern game of bocce ball. Children challenged each other to throw small metal or stone balls, trying to get as close as possible to a target. This game required skill and precision, and was a fun way for children to compete with each other.
Or another game similar to bocce ball was the game of nut. Again it consisted of throwing one’s own nut by making it fall on other nuts forming a triangle.
Or they enjoyed jumping rope, playing hide-and-seek, simulating gladiator fights with figurines, or playing with dice. When the latter were not around they used aliossi, which are the leg bones of small animals.
But not only Pompeian children were also often involved in various artistic activities, such as painting and writing.
The walls of Pompeian houses were often decorated with paintings made by their inhabitants, and children had the opportunity to learn this art from an early age. Using natural pigments and brushes, children could express their creativity by decorating the walls of their homes.
Pompeian girls’ games
But not only that, the discoveries that the ancient city of Pompeii has given us have also allowed us to reconstruct the favorite pastime of Pompeian girls. In fact, several terracotta and wooden dolls were found during the archaeological excavations, proving that even 2,000 years ago there were these games that are so widely used and sought after in the present day.
Exploring the activities and games of the children of ancient Pompeii allows us to connect with the past, better understand daily life and appreciate the bonds that unite us through time.
Without the work of archaeologists and without the excavation work , the city and activities of ancient Pompeii would have remained buried forever. No one would have been able to truly know the lives of all its inhabitants.
But fortunately today it is possible.
Visiting Pompeii with new eyes
Visiting Pompeii is not just about discovering the houses in which the ancient Pompeians lived or walking their streets built 2,000 years ago. Or admiring the sculptures and wonderful paintings on the walls.
To visit Pompeii is also to discover the lives of those who lived there, to learn about their stories and customs.
That is why during your visit to Pompeii we recommend that you be guided by an experienced tour guide who will know how to tell you about Pompeii. He will know how to make you discover it in 360° and imagine it with totally new eyes. He will know how to explain what Pompeii was like before the dramatic eruption.
