Pompeijana is part of Linotype’s Type Before Gutenberg series. Adrian Frutiger designed Pompeijana in 1992 modeling it on the “scriptura actuari” (scriptura=writing; actuari=fast) used by the Romans for handwriting and stone and bronze inscriptions since the first century BC; this style of lettering is also seen on inscriptions six centuries later. These early letters were made quickly with a brush held at a steep angle, producing characters with horizontal strokes that are wider than the vertical strokes.

Pompeijana is ideal for books as titles and initial capitals. More sophisticated job work, for instance, stationery and wedding invitations could easily use Pompeijana as well.