I love mysteries. Some people solve big stuff. I see tiny stuff and I am drawn in. Like this painting. I saw it on the internet, and immediately I focused in on the words written on the side.
PALADI VOTUM
The painting is by Giandomenico Tiepolo of the late 1700s. The painting depicts the famous Trojan Horse being pulled into the city of Troy. The words PALADI VOTUM are carved into the wood. Look for the words on the ribcage of the horse.
Not a latin speaker (though I do attempt to speak it quite a few times on the podcast) I was curious what it meant and why it was there? I even wondered if this was a secret message that the painter had placed in the scene.
PALADI VOTUM.
The translation is as follows:
AN OFFERING TO PALLAS ATHENA
This was a lie which led to Troy’s fall. Inside soldiers waited to hop out and open the gates. They thought it was an offering to the goddess and not a contraption designed for their fall.
What’s more it is in Latin, not the language of the ancient Greeks but certainly a language associated with antiquity especially by Italians in the 170os.
What did Laocoon the priest say?
“Trust not their presents, nor admit the horse.”
Rob Cain has traveled extensively through Europe, Italy, and Egypt. He was formerly on active duty with the United States Army. He is a fan of history, and enjoys reading books on the history of Rome. He currently has a podcast presentation on itunes and hipcast. The blog is for the free and open discussion of Ancient Rome based on Mr. Cain's observations noted in his podcast. Most episodes start out with an original dramatic narration written by Mr. Cain. In the podcasts he will include his own unique commentary, and interviews with subject matter experts. Comments are welcome and will be highlighted on the show. 
