What is pasquino?

Pasquino is the name given to one of the talking statues of Rome, located in Piazza di Pasquino. The statue depicts an ancient Greek or Roman warrior, and is believed to date back to the 3rd century BC. The name Pasquino comes from a tailor who lived nearby in the 16th century, whose shop was used by locals as a venue for political discussions and gossip. The statue became a symbol of satire and free speech, and over time people began to post satirical comments and poems on the statue, which were known as "pasquinate". The tradition of pasquinades continued throughout the Renaissance and into the modern era, with the statue becoming a focal point for political and social commentary. Today, the statue remains an important symbol of free speech and political satire, and continues to inspire writers, artists, and activists around the world.