The Mouth of Truth

The Mouth of Truth (Italian: Bocca della Verità) is a famous ancient Roman marble mask that is located in the portico of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin in Rome, Italy. The mask is believed to represent the face of a river god and is known for its open mouth, which served a unique purpose in the past.

The legend associated with the Mouth of Truth is that it was believed to be a lie detector. According to popular folklore, if a person told a lie while placing their hand in the mouth of the sculpture, it would close its jaws, severing the hand of the liar. This myth likely originated during the medieval period and was popularized in the 1953 film “Roman Holiday,” in which the actress Audrey Hepburn’s character interacts with the Mouth of Truth.

In reality, the Mouth of Truth is just a decorative ancient Roman drain cover or manhole cover, and there is no evidence to suggest that it was ever used as a lie detector. Despite its mythical associations, the sculpture remains a popular tourist attraction in Rome, and visitors often line up to take photographs with their hands in the mouth of truth, participating in the playful tradition.

The Mouth of Truth is a circular stone disk with a relief carving of a human face, believed to represent a river god or a sea deity. The mask has a somewhat exaggerated, grimacing expression, with wide-open eyes, a prominent nose, and, most notably, a wide-open mouth. The sculpture is about 1.75 meters (5 feet 9 inches) in diameter and is made of marble.

Here are some additional details about the Mouth of Truth:

1. Location: The Mouth of Truth is situated in the portico of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, which is located in the area of the Roman Forum in Rome. The church itself dates back to the 6th century, and the portico is an open-air space at the entrance where the mask is displayed.
2. Historical Significance: While the sculpture itself is an ancient Roman artifact, its original purpose was likely more utilitarian than the myth of being a lie detector. It is believed to have functioned as a drain cover or part of a fountain. The image of a face was a common decorative motif in ancient Roman architecture.
3. Myth and Legend: The association of the Mouth of Truth with a lie detector likely originated in medieval times or even later. The legend gained popularity due to its inclusion in various medieval stories and plays. The myth was further perpetuated in the 1953 film “Roman Holiday,” starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.
4. Tourist Attraction: Today, the Mouth of Truth is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors who are intrigued by its mythical associations. Many tourists take part in the playful tradition of placing their hands in the mouth, pretending to test their honesty.
5. Accessibility: The Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is usually open to the public, and visitors can enter the portico to see the Mouth of Truth. Keep in mind that there might be a line of tourists waiting to take photos with the sculpture.

While the Mouth of Truth may not function as a lie detector, its connection to Roman history and the enduring myth make it an interesting and entertaining destination for those exploring the ancient sites of Rome.