Signs in Ancient Rome

The Ancient Romans were quite prolific in their early use of signs and advertising as can be witnessed in many ancient Roman cities including Rome and Pompeii. The ancient Romans would use many forms of media to make their signs such as paper, wood and architectural stone. and in some cases simple wall paintings or indeed stone mosaic. Pictured below is an ancient stone sign from Pompeii.

Advertising special events ancient Roman style

The ancient Romans were fond of advertising special events such as chariot races gladiator bouts or decrees from the emporer or senate. Public spaces such as baths and government buildings were marked with signs just as they are today. Businesses and services were also widely marked with stone or wood signs. Seating in the arenas such as the great coliseum were marked for special seating and which families did what. Exits and entrances were clearly marked with signs and the large crowds that went to these events were managed in this efficient manner.

Archeologist use ancient signs to decipher the past

In fact archeologist today in ancient Pompeii are using ancient signs to answer many questions about how life must have been like in the old city before it was destroyed by the volcano Mount Vesuvius. The ancient Pompeii people even made mosaic signs to warn about their dogs and to ward off thieves.

All roads and their signs lead to Rome

The ancient Romans also marked their roads with road signs and also made road markers and signs to mark miles and towns. Today's mile markers have their roots in this old Roman tradition. The fact is today's archeologist are unable to answer how the ancient Romans were so accurate in marking their road mile marker signs. There is speculation the Romans used a complicated wheeled odometer to accurately post their roadway marker signs. The Romans exported their use of signs to many other ancient cultures in which they conquered and founded including the ancient Britons French and Germanic tribes.

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