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Bocca della Verità or the “Mouth of Truth” is a 1.80 meter wide marble low relief sculpture weighing about 2,900 pounds, currently located in the portico of the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin, at the Piazza della Bocca della Verità. The mask is a low-relief because it only extends slightly from its base. The porch that it is located on, the Basilica di Santa Maria or “Basilica of Saint Mary” in english, is a minor basilica church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, first constructed in the sixth century AD. The Piazza della Bocca della Verità or “Square of the Mouth of Truth” in english, is a square located in an ancient roman cattle market that was known as the Forum Boarium.

The Bocca della Verità depicts a male face with long hair, a beard and holes in his eyes, nostrils and mouth. It is suspected to depict the titan god Oceanus of Greek mythology. Giovanni Battista Giovenale, an architectural historian identified the Bocca della Veritá as Oceanus in 1927 by noticing that the relief has (poorly visible) crab pincer horns which is a defining characteristic of Oceanus. Ancient Greeks believed Oceanus was the Titan God of the ocean which encircles the entire world. He is the source of and ruler of all fresh water on earth.

Water is an essential part of Roman life and culture. Ancient Romans prioritized engineering water systems, constructing their first aqueduct, Aqua Appia, in 312 BC for a water fountain at the cattle market Forum Boarium, which is now the Piazza della Bocca della Verità. 

The Mouth of Truth was created during the reign of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus.

He was the seventh and last King of Rome and ruled from 534 to 509 BCE. He ordered the building of the Cloaca Maxima, a sewage system that ran through the Forum Boarium, the same square as the Temple of Hercules Victor.

Low relief marble covers were made for the sewage covers on the surface.

Putting all this information together, it makes sense why Oceanus would be depicted on a cover for a newly constructed sewage system in the place where Ancient Romans also constructed their first aqueduct. It is a good way to honor Oceanus.

Many historians believe the Mouth of Truth was also used as a sewer or drain cover in the Temple of Hercules Victor which is also located in the Piazza della Bocca della Verità. The Temple of Hercules Victor, constructed around 143 BC, used to have an oculus, a round open space in the middle of the roof. This caused rain to pour inside, meaning the temple needed a drain so it would not become flooded. Since the temple was constructed after the Mouth of Truth was created, it is likely the Temple of Hercules Victor was purposely constructed around it.

Some historians believe the Bocca della Verità was also used as a drain cover for the blood of cattle that were sacrificed at the Temple of Hercules Victor. The holes in the eyes, nose, and mouth was probably helpful for this process, though imagining the Mouth of Truth covered in blood makes it even more scary.

The Bocca della Verità got its name in 1485 from a medieval legend that spread that the Bocca della Verità would bite off the hand of liars that place their hand within its mouth. Similarly, if someone lies while their hand is inside the mouth it will bite off their hand. Even its gaze does not allow a lie to be spoken. It was common for husbands to take their wives who they suspected of adultery to place their hand. Additionally, people accused of petty crimes would be taken here to test their honesty. Placing a hand in the Bocca della Verità would scare them into being honest in fear of the painful consequences.

The legend surrounding the Mouth of Truth attracts modern people because it is a fascinating legend. The myth was able to convince many people that the Mouth of Truth possessed a God-like power. People want to come and place their hand in the mouth of the God’s face testing this power, often taking photos of themselves doing so. Although it is just a relief sculpture, it is able to raise anticipation and anxiety for people who place their hand inside the mouth. What if the legend is true? What if the mouth of truth will bite off my hand? It is better to tell the truth, though we suspect many liars tested their luck by placing their hand and holding their breath. For is it possible to be a human and have never lied? It seems it is a fear tactic taking advantage of believers. Nevertheless, it is an incredible and horrifying mask. Whether it’s because of its size, facial expression/details, or myth, the Bocca della Veritá moves and entertains people to this day.

Bibliography

Barry, Fabio. “The Mouth of Truth and the Forum Boarium: Oceanus, Hercules, and Hadrian.” The Art Bulletin 93, no. 1 (2011): 7–37. http://www.jstor.org.brooklyn.ezproxy.cuny.edu/stable/23046567 

Turismo Roma. “The Mouth of Truth,” July 31, 2025. https://www.turismoroma.it/en/places/mouth-truth

Mariamilani Ancient Rome. “Ancient Roman Sacrifices | Roman Sacrifice – Maria Milani,” September 19, 2022. https://mariamilani.com/ancient_rome/sacrifices_in_ancient_rome.htm.

Jakucewicz, Artur. “Mouth of Truth.” Rome.us, April 4, 2025. https://rome.us/ancient-rome/mouth-of-truth.html#Things_to_Know_before_Visit_the_Mouth_of_Truth.

Mancebo, Ivanka Garcia. “Mouth of Truth – Bocca Della Verità,” n.d. https://www.rome.net/mouth-of-truth.

Hardin, Samantha. “Spot in Rome-Piazza Della Bocca Della Verita— Regions of Italy.” Regions of Italy, June 8, 2020. https://www.regionsofitaly.com/lazio/spot-in-rome-piazza-della-bocca-della-verita.

Rome.info. Mouth of Truth (Bocca Della Verità): The Legend & How to Visit in 2026. June 16, 2026. Rome.Info. https://www.rome.info/attractions/mouth-of-truth/.

Wikipedia contributors. “Roman Aqueduct.” Wikipedia, January 17, 2006. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_aqueduct.

Wikipedia contributors. “Aqua Appia.” Wikipedia, April 6, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aqua_Appia.

———. “Temple of Hercules Victor.” Wikipedia, June 13, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Hercules_Victor.

Mythopedia. “Oceanus – Mythopedia,” n.d. https://mythopedia.com/topics/oceanus/#note-7.

“The Mouth of Truth: Bocca Della Verità From Roman Holiday,” n.d. https://www.romesightseeing.net/mouth-truth/.

———. “Bocca Della Verità.” Wikipedia, May 30, 2026. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bocca_della_Verit%C3%A0.