Excavators at the historic Pompeii site revealed a new discovery – a formal dining area showcasing the opulent lifestyle of the affluent residents through intricate artwork.
The walls of the dining room, painted in a dark hue to prevent candle soot stains, are adorned with panels depicting figures from the Trojan War.
Part of a larger insula, this dining room was unearthed as part of a preservation project to safeguard the city’s underground remains.
The director of the archaeological park, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, described how the flickering lamp light would animate the mythological scenes, sparking lively discussions among diners.
The frescoes feature iconic characters like Helen of Troy, Paris, Leda, Zeus, Cassandra, and Apollo, each symbolizing deeper philosophical themes.
Evidence suggests that the room was undergoing renovations when the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius occurred in A.D. 79.
Adjacent to the dining area, archaeologists found remnants of ancient construction materials, shedding light on building techniques of that era.
Recent excavations in other parts of the insula have revealed insights into daily life, including living conditions, culinary preferences, and political practices.
The exquisite frescoes in the dining room, painted in the Third Style, offer a glimpse into the artistic tastes of Pompeii during that period.
2024-04-11 20:08:29
Original from www.nytimes.com