Rare Roman Paintings Discovered in Pompeii Ruins
Centuries-Old Frescoes Found in Pompeii
Rare, stunning Roman paintings dating back centuries have been unearthed during the ongoing excavations of the ancient city of Pompeii.
The frescoes were discovered in a dining room within the ruins of Pompeii, the city that was buried under ash following a catastrophic volcanic eruption in 79 A.D. According to the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, this particular room was approximately 50 feet long and 20 feet wide and opened onto a courtyard with an unroofed room and a long connecting staircase to the first floor.
The Spectacular Dining Room
Archaeologists have described the recently unearthed dining room as nothing short of spectacular. The walls were adorned with elegant black paintings and decorated with mythological subjects inspired by the Trojan War. The stunning paintings, discovered at block No. 10 of the site’s ninth section, have recently been excavated, as mentioned in a news release by the museum.
Park director Gabriel Zuchtriegel, in the news release, explained that the black walls were purposely painted so as to hide the smoke of oil lamps. He noted that people would gather in this dining room to enjoy their meals after sunset. The flickering light of the oil lamps would create an illusion of movement in the paintings, especially after a few glasses of good Campanian wine.
Gladiators and Building Materials
Beneath the arches of the staircase in the dining room, archaeologists discovered a substantial pile of building materials. The staircase itself exhibited drawings of two pairs of gladiators, done in charcoal. These findings add further intrigue to the already fascinating room and its historical significance.
Paintings Depict Legendary Characters
The paintings found in the dining room at Pompeii depict various Greek figures, including the famous Helen of Troy. The theme of the paintings revolve around the heroism displayed by both gods and heroes during the Trojan War. Additionally, the paintings touch upon concepts such as fate and the ability of humans to shape their own destinies, as revealed in the museum’s news release.
Among the figures depicted, one of the prominent characters is Cassandra, the daughter of Priam and Hecuba, the king and queen of Troy. Cassandra, in Greek mythology, possessed the gift of prophecy but was cursed by the god Apollo. Interestingly, Apollo granted Cassandra the ability to see the future but also ensured that no one would believe her predictions.
Exclaiming the significance of the mythological couples portrayed in these paintings, Park Director Zuchtriegel said, “The depictions provided fodder for discussions on the past and life; their significance is not only limited to romance. They embody the relationship between individuals and their fates: Cassandra, with her ability to foretell events that no one believes, and Apollo, who supports the Trojans despite being unable to assure their victory due to his divine status.”
Relationships Unveiled in Pompeii
The recent excavations also brought to light interconnected houses situated in spaces in front of living rooms being renovated at the time of the volcanic eruption. These interconnected spaces reveal the residential layout of Pompeii during ancient times.
Rediscovery of Pompeii
It was in 1748 when Spanish military engineer Roque Joaquín de Alcubierre discovered the ancient city of Pompeii. His excavations of this remarkable archaeological site revealed various structures, including an amphitheater and an inscription containing the city’s name.
Tragically, the city of Pompeii was devastated and completely buried in debris when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D., causing the deaths of thousands of its inhabitants.
