What term describes political advertisements painted on walls in ancient Rome?

The term that describes political advertisements painted on walls in ancient Rome is "programmata." This term refers specifically to the public notices and political slogans that were displayed on the walls of buildings and public spaces in urban areas. Such advertisements were used by candidates during elections to promote their campaigns and to communicate their messages to the populace.

These inscriptions were a vital tool in the political landscape of Rome, reflecting the social dynamics and the importance of public opinion during the electoral process. The colorful and often eye-catching nature of these announcements helped to engage passersby and encourage them to think about their political choices.

In contrast, the other terms listed do not pertain to political advertisements. "Megalography" refers to large-scale paintings, often of mythological or illustrious themes, rather than political messages. "Tesserae" relates to small pieces used in mosaic artwork, and "manumission" refers to the formal process of freeing slaves, which is unrelated to political advertisements. Thus, "programmata" is the most fitting and accurate term for the painted political advertisements in ancient Rome.