In Corinth, Greece, archaeologist Matthew Larsen has pinpointed the location of a Roman-era prison.
Among the few ancient Roman prisons still known to us, this site stands out. The presence of a former prison at this location was confirm by inscriptions etch into the ruins’ floor.
Matthew Larsen, an archaeologist and associate professor at the University of Copenhagen, notes that historical records suggest nearly every Roman town had a prison. However, archaeological evidence of these Roman prisons remains sparse and challenging to uncover.
The prison has a history stretching back approximately 1,600 years to the Roman Empire era, a time when Christianity was becoming widely adopted in the region.
Larsen identified the prison’s location by studying 1901 excavation records and examining the site and its graffiti.
Within the prison cell, Greek inscriptions were visible on the floor, featuring messages like, ‘May luck favor those enduring this unjust confinement. O Lord, grant no mercy to the one who imprisoned us.’
The flooring was extensively cracked, raising questions about its history. It’s uncertain whether this prison was relocate from a previous site and whether the crack flooring was repurpose from that earlier location.
Graffiti was limit to existing floor cracks, suggesting these cracks were present during the initial flooring installation.
The eastern chamber of the prison housed various artifacts, including ‘olpai’ jugs and lamps. It also contained a small latrine.. These jugs and lamps would have been essential for providing water and illumination within the prison.
Larsen highlighted the appalling conditions within the prison, as evidenced by the graffiti left by the inmates.
Historical records provide no details about the identities of the inmates or the reasons behind their imprisonment. What is certain is that they were deeply frustrate with their circumstances.
Larsen told Live Science, “It feels like they are trap in a very bleak situation, where they are not being heard.”
An inscription states, ‘God bearer, seek retribution against Merinos, the one who imprisoned us and made us endure the winter.’
One inscription appeals for liberation, expressing, ‘Lord God and divine justice, deliver the two brothers from this place. Christ, protect both Boudia and John.’
Many of the etchings reflect a deep desire for revenge from those who were once imprisoned. For instance, one inscription reads, ‘Lord, let them meet a dreadful end.’
Some of the carvings illustrate game boards, revealing how prisoners likely engaged in games to entertain themselves.
Although the complete history of the inmates remains unknown, the graffiti they left behind provides valuable insights into the daily lives and mental states of prisoners in ancient Corinth 1,600 years ago.
