One of the most fascinating artifacts to visit in Rome is the 2,200-year-old Bocca delia Verita, also known as the “Mouth of Truth.” This incredibly large Pavonazzetto marble mask depicting a face with open eyes and an open mouth is found at the Piazza della Bocca della Verita, which is the spot of an ancient cattle market known as the Forum Boarium. The disk is displayed against a portico wall in the Santa Maria Cosmedin Church. Thousands visit the disc daily with many putting their hand in the mouth to see if it will bite!

The Mouth of Truth is a massive piece of work and weighs 1300 kg, making it an incredible ancient find. The face is eerie with eyes, nose and mouth of a bearded god with horns stemming from the head and two round objects in the beard. Most historians speculate the face is probably that of Oceanus, the sea god, but no one knows for sure. Others have suggested it is Mercury, Faunus or a river god. It is believed the disc was moved to the church in the 13th century and moved again to its current portico spot in the 17th century. However, no one knows for sure why it was moved, where it was originally housed, or its use. Speculation is that it came from the Temple of Herculus Victor, located nearby, and could have been used as a drain cover that allowed for rain collection inside. Other ideas are that it was part of a fountain or covered a sacred well. Another thought is that it was used by cattle merchants in sacrifice ceremonies. Supposedly, the disc could be a way to drain cattle’s blood in ceremonies for the god Hercules. Clearly, its real purpose isn’t as exciting as the hand-biting myth.

Tourists typically dare each other to stick their hands into the mouth to see if they are a liar or an honest soul. The myth is the disk will bite off the hand of liars, but will do nothing to an truthful person. This idea began in the Middle Ages when people sought for ways to determine honesty in agreements. The myth was perpetuated in popular culture, specifically in the movie “Roman Holiday” with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The myth has become so intriguing that replicas of the disk, along with similar art, were created and are displayed all over the world.

Visiting the sculpture would be a highlight of your own Roman holiday! Even those refusing the honesty test have a great time watching others wistfully put their hands in the mouth. You can use it to find out how honest your family is as well! Will you dare to take the test? The Mouth of Truth can be a highlight of your vacation in Rome. That is the truth.

Vatican Early Entrance Small Group Tour

Daily (except Sun and Wed) at 7.30am 3.5 hrs

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