Paedagogium

The so-called Paedagogium is located on the lower level of the Domitian Palace on the Palatine Hill in Rome. Originally an annex to the imperial residence, the building served as a training site for young slaves who were meant to learn reading, writing, and food preparation for work in wealthy households. The complex is arranged around an inner courtyard and includes a northern exedra area with nine rooms, some of which still have remnants of wall paintings in the Third Style. Particularly well known are the graffiti scratched into the walls, including the famous inscription "Alexamenos worships (his) god," which can now be seen in the Palatine Antiquarium. These finds document the daily life of the servants housed there and offer a glimpse into the early history of Christianity.