Wall Writings In Smyrna Agora (Graffitos)

Wall Writings In Smyrna Agora (Graffitos)

Smyrna Agora Graffitos put Smyrna among graffiti-rich cities such as Delos, Pompeii, Rome and Ostia, and it is the richest in terms of graffiti in Ancient Greek. It is quite exciting to know that these graffitos you're looking at were made 1800 years before our time.

Graffitos were found in two galleries located in the southern section of Smyrna Agora Basilica basement. They were written on section walls of galleries and plaster on arch legs.

These graffitos were made with oak coal, dipinti (a type of paint made with coal-iron mixture), or carved with sharp objects. While dipintis mostly feature black colour, there are samples of red and brown as well.

Most seen figures in these pictures are commercial and war ships described in intricate details painted very in large sizes. Secondly, rough depictions of male and female genitalia are observed. After these come the gladiators, fully geared up with weapons, pictured either alone or fighting a battle.

You can also see graffitos about the rivalry between Ephesus and Smyrna, puns, riddles, eyes or eye health. Some scriptures here are rumoured to be the oldest Christianity texts.

Exact number of preserved graffitos isn't known yet, but estimated number is a few thousand. These graffitos provide us mysterious and interesting information about the daily life of an ordinary Smyrnian in 2nd and 3rd centuries, which we didn't get a chance to achieve from any other source.

Conservation and restoration works conducted since 2007 protect this valuable drawing and scripture treasure.