Thing of the Day #94: Pompeiian Graffiti

Today’s letter:

How do I smear my political opponents?

I suggest you use a political tactic from the Roman Empire

Passage from Writing on the Wall:

The most prominent messages [graffettied on Pompeiian walls], painted in large letters, were political slogans expressing support for candidates running for election […] Several inscriptions in Pompeii refer sarcastically to a man called Vatia in terms that imply that he is a less than worthy candidate supported only by losers: “The petty thieves request the election of Vatia as aedile”; “The whole company of late drinkers favor Vatia”; “The whole company of late risers favor Vatia.”