Pompeii is a place that keeps on giving. Even though the infamous volcanic eruption happened in 79 AD and the remains of the destroyed Ancient Roman city (cities, to be exact, since the disaster wiped out Herculaneum as well) were discovered as early as the 18th century; the site – one of the most famous in the world – still has treasures waiting to be found. Excavations have brought to light a series of well-preserved frescoes and mosaics, as well as a graffiti that changes the suspected day of the eruption.
This fresco probably represented the mistress of the house. Image courtesy of Pompei Parco Archeologico
A charcoal writing found on the wall of a house that was undergoing renovations in the year of the eruption, states that someone “indulged too much in food here on the sixteenth day before the kalends of November,” meaning on 17 October.
The graffiti that changes the date of the eruption. Image courtesy of Pompei Parco Archeologico
Charcoal is a volatile material that doesn’t generally withstand time, so archaeologists believe that this means the graffiti was jotted down just a few days before the Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD— but in October, instead of August as it’s the belief of most.
Among the new discovery there were also perfectly maintained mosaics. Image courtesy of Pompei Parco Archeologico
Other discoveries were made in the Regio V area of the site, where two houses revealed a real archaeological treasure — mosaics, various objects, and frescoes. The fresco is believed to be part of a lararium, the part of an Ancient Roman house where the gods of family and home were honoured. It’s decorated with lush nature scenes, as well as two serpents, “good demons” who were thought to bring prosperity and fortune.
Pompeii’s director Massimo Osanna in front of the lararium‘s fresco. Image courtesy of Pompei Parco Archeologico
“It’s always exciting to discover something new and see our efforts give results,” commented Pompeii’s director, Massimo Osanna, during a visit to the newly-discovered houses. “It’s also interesting to see traces of previous archaeological excavations emerge, and observe how the same work we’re doing today was conducted in other eras.”
Excavations at Pompeii started as far back as 1748. Image courtesy of Pompei Parco Archeologico
If you want to know more about Pompeii and how you can see these new discoveries, you can visit the official website here.
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