Ancient History

Examine the local political life in Pompeii and Herculaneum     These were men of honour who had honesty, usually ex-magistrates, elected or appointed as the board of 4 (quattouorviri) who looked at two separate bodies which was the city council and the people’s assembly. The City Council only consisted of freeborn citizens, there were 100 decurionswhich were revised every 5 years.
Both towns were self governing in local matters, subject to imperial decree.
_Cicere said “it was harder to gain a city council of Pompeii than it was to get in the Roman Senate._
Election Fever in Pompeii
Most of the election graffiti and material found related to 1 election in March AD79.
The magistrates (douviri) made judgement on electoral candidates without qualifications inappropriate behaviours during electrons, misuse of public funds, robberies and murders.
Canida – white toga – slave employed to “whisper” name (nomenclature)
Some of the quotes found on the walls were:
  Most worthy, most upright, virtuous
      Vesonius primus urges the election of Gnaeus Helvius as a man   worthy of public office aedile.
      Trade corporations promoted candidates.
      Proof of women were involved in campaigning comes from this   slogans:
      “Vote for Lucius” his grandma worked hard   for his last election and pleased with the results.
      Magistrates were not payed but respected to make generation’s   contributions to the city and make people happy. They use to   sponsored spectacular shows dedicated buildings or statues   and gave large sums.
      People paid for electoral slogans asking for citizens   to vote for a particular candidate.
      _For example, Vesonius urges the election of Helvius   as a man worthy of public office. _
          *Describe the Private Buildings (willas*, houses, shops). What do they tell us about lives of the people?     Villas
There were about 100 villas scattered on the hillside outside Pompeii usually on the...