Talking Statues, "Pasquino"

Late at night since satirical posters were hung on several statues at well-known sites, beginning in early 16th century, so that when day light came everyone could read them before taken away by police. These statues became known as "talking statues," which is how they opposed corruption of the ruling class in a funny way. The authors who remained anonymous directed their satire towards the pope. One of these statues that I noticed to still be in place is one known as "Pasquino," which stands just behind Piazza Navona. Dating back to 3rd century BC, it is impossible to tell who the statue represents because of its bad preservation. The statue stands as the torso of a male figure, its face completely deranged, and its name still unable to be figured out. Several of these posters and notes still hang on Pasquino for all to see.