Archaeologists working at the ancient site of Pompeii have made a fascinating discovery that offers a glimpse into the lives of the city’s wealthier residents. Unveiled on Thursday, the latest find is a formal dining room adorned with intricate frescoes that depict mythological couples associated with the Trojan War.
The walls of the dining room are painted dark black to prevent soot from candle smoke from staining them, and are divided into panels featuring scenes of Helen of Troy and Paris, as well as Helen’s parents, Leda and Zeus. Across the room, another panel shows Cassandra and Apollo, adding a touch of drama to the space.
According to Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the archaeological park of Pompeii, the dining room was likely part of a building that was undergoing restoration when Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79, burying the city in pumice stones and ash. The recent excavation of stacked roof tiles, work tools, and other building materials in an adjacent chamber sheds light on ancient construction techniques.
The frescoes in the dining room are painted in the Third Style, popular in Pompeii during the first century, and show evidence of being retouched and restored in ancient times. The room is currently closed to the public as further excavations are carried out, with Mr. Zuchtriegel expressing excitement about what else may be uncovered.
The discovery of the formal dining room adds to the ongoing efforts to preserve and understand the ancient city of Pompeii, offering a unique insight into the daily lives and cultural practices of its inhabitants. As more of the insula is unearthed, archaeologists continue to piece together the puzzle of this fascinating archaeological site.
