Anti-Christian Sentiment

The Alexamenos Graffito (ca. 100 C.E.)

Graffiti was a common sight in Roman cities, and historians have learned much about daily Roman life from the examples they have found. This image was found carved into the wall of a police barracks. The caption, written in Greek, reads, “Alexamenos worships [his] god.” The picture shows Jesus, with the head of a donkey, being crucified. The man next to the cross, probably meant to be Alexamenos, lifts an arm in worship. This posture with one arm raised was common among Roman mystery cults. At the time, it was widely rumored that Christians worshipped a god with a donkey’s head.

Alinari/Art Resource, N.Y.