Pompeii continues to astonish the world with discoveries that shed light on the most fascinating details of life in the Roman world. Recent findings in Regions IX and V stand out not only for their artistic beauty but also for the insight they provide into the customs, economy, and traditions of a society that continues to captivate the collective imagination.
One of the most remarkable discoveries has taken place in a large house in Region IX, where archaeologists have unearthed an oecus or colonnaded hall decorated with frescoes of exceptional quality.
These works, belonging to the Second Pompeian Style, present an impressive visual display: a trompe-l’œil colonnade frames a still life scene of hunting and fishing.
The frescoes depict chickens, waterfowl, partridges, and a boar alongside wicker baskets filled with bluefish, squid, and shelled mollusks, painted against a red wall background that evokes a rich banquet.
These frescoes are being recovered as part of a broader project aimed at stabilizing the boundaries between excavated and buried areas, ensuring the preservation of Pompeii’s vast heritage.
This is no small feat: the site includes over 13,000 spaces distributed among residences, public areas, and sacred spaces. The work is part of initiatives to improve the site’s hydrogeological system, making preservation more efficient and sustainable.
Meanwhile, in Region V, one of the most spectacular examples of a Thermopolium—the Roman equivalent of a tavern or fast-food establishment—has reopened following recent stabilization and excavation work.
This site stands out for the decoration of its counter, where frescoes of notable quality have been discovered, including images of a Nereid riding a hippocampus and animals that were likely cooked and sold at the establishment.
The ancient tavern distinguishes itself from the numerous others in Pompeii by the exceptional decoration of its painted counter, archaeologists highlight.
Furthermore, the excavation of a service area at the back of the establishment has been completed. This space was used as a storage area for amphorae and other vessels intended for the preservation and preparation of food.
Both discoveries stand out not only for their visual impact but also for what they reveal about Roman society. The still-life scenes in the frescoes of Region IX evoke the luxury of banquets and the central role of food in the social life of the era.
The Thermopolia, on the other hand, connect us with the dynamism of daily commerce and the interactions of citizens at these social hubs.
SOURCES
- Share on:
Discover more from LBV Magazine English Edition
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Money Emerged to Facilitate Trade Between Strangers, Not to Collect Taxes, According to an Archaeological and Ethnohistorical Study
The history of money, one of humanity’s most transformative creations, has been the subject of discussion for centuries. How did this fundamental tool for the economy emerge? A recent study…
The Oldest Evidence of Hominin Presence in Europe Found in Romania: They Hunted and Used Tools Over 1.95 Million Years Ago
A recent scientific discovery published in the journal Nature Communications has unveiled compelling evidence of the presence of hominins in Europe at least 1.95 million years ago. This finding, centered…
A mold used to produce Medusa masks dating back to the early 1st century BCE has been found in ancient Finziade, Sicily
In the town of Licata (the ancient Greek Finziade), Sicily, archaeologists have discovered a mask mold that, according to initial interpretations, could represent Medusa, the Greek mythological figure known for…
The Bronze Fragments That Allowed the Reconstruction of the Celtic Calendar
In November 1897, Alphonse Roux, a farmer, discovered what appeared to be a cloth bag, whose fibers had dissolved over time, buried about 30 centimeters underground while working in a…
Exceptional Discovery in Nero’s Domus Aurea in Rome: Pigments and a Massive Ingot of Egyptian Blue
The monumental Domus Aurea, the palatial residence built by Emperor Nero in the heart of Rome, continues to unveil fascinating secrets. Recent archaeological research has brought to light a unique…
Evidence of the Zanclean Deluge Found: The Previously Theoretical Mega-Flood of the Mediterranean 5 Million Years Ago
Millions of years ago, an unprecedented geological event drastically transformed the Mediterranean landscape. During the Messinian Salinity Crisis, which occurred between 5.97 and 5.33 million years ago, the Mediterranean was…
The Battle of Lake Erie: The Naval Clash Between Americans and British That Prevented an Invasion From Canada
Dear General: We have met the enemy and they are ours. Two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop. This telegram might not resonate with most readers, but among…
The Mosaic of the House of the Birds in Italica is the Most Complete and Varied Avian Representation in the Roman World
Located in the archaeological site of Itálica, in Seville (Spain), the so-called House of the Birds houses one of the most unique mosaics of Roman Hispania. This work of art,…
Astronomers Discover Inkathazo, an Intriguing Giant Galaxy 32 Times the Size of the Milky Way
Recently, a team of astronomers made an extraordinary discovery: a new giant radio galaxy (GRG) named Inkathazo, detected using the MeerKAT telescope located in South Africa. This cosmic structure, measuring…
The Mystery of the Priest of Cádiz: An Iron Age Statuette Combining Phoenician, Egyptian, and Iberian Traditions
In 1928, the bustling city of Cádiz in southern Spain witnessed a remarkable archaeological discovery that added to those already made in previous years. During the foundation work for the…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
