Sculptures of athletes, men, women and children from Pompeii, Herculaneum and the Vesuvius region at the Archaeological Museum of Naples

Runners, Villa dei Papiri, Herculaneum, Archaeological Museum of Naples in Italy

Runners, Herculaneum The sculptures of the gods and goddesses are of undoubted mythological and aesthetic interest.

But those depicting the inhabitants of Pompeii and Herculaneum have, in addition to their historical interest, a poignant side that allows us to better understand daily life in that era.

Some are depicted as athletes, as sport was of great importance to them, as evidenced by the gymnasiums of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Others are simply depicted going about their daily lives:

Child with fruit, Casa del Camillo, Pompeii, Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy

Child with fruit fishing, or wearing togas in the case of magistrates or prominent citizens.

The women of Herculaneum are particularly well represented, notably the three daughters of the mayor of Herculaneum, who had a statue carved of each of them.

The sculptures of children are the most touching: by showing us their games and activities, we see the natural spontaneity of children living two thousand years ago in Pompeii and Herculaneum.

They are young children with their animals, or boys on the cusp of adolescence who are starting to work or preparing for their future trade.

Fisherman, Casa della Fontana Piccola, Pompeii, Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy

Fisherman, Pompeii

Daughter of Nonius Balbus