Centuries-old Roman paintings have been discovered in the ruins of Pompeii.
The paintings were discovered in the ruined city's dining room, buried under ash after a catastrophic volcanic eruption in 79 AD, a room about 50 feet long and 20 feet wide, opening onto a courtyard with a roofless room and a long staircase. The first floor, according to the Archaeological Park of Pompeii.
Archaeologists described the room as spectacular and surrounded by elegant black walls and decoration, depicting mythological characters inspired by the Trojan War. NINTH SECTION OF SITE BLOCK NO. The site was discovered in 10, and the museum said it was recently excavated. Press release.
“The walls are painted black to block the smoke from the oil lamps found on the walls,” park director Gabriel Zuchtrigel said in a news release. “People would meet to dine after sunset. The flickering light of the lanterns, especially after a few glasses of good Campanian wine, had the effect of moving the pictures.”
A massive pile of building materials was discovered under the staircase arches, on which were two pairs of gladiators drawn in charcoal.
Paintings depicting Helen of Troy, Cassandra
These paintings depict Helen of Troy among other Greek figures.
The work expressed themes of heroism through the role of the heroes and gods who played in the Trojan War, as well as themes of fate and the idea that humans can change their own destiny.
Other characters include Priam and Hecuba's daughter Cassandra, king and queen of Troy. In Greek mythology, she has the gift of seeing the future, but is cursed by the god Apollo to be unable to change future events after rejecting him.
“The mythic couple provided ideas for conversations about the past and life, which were purely romantic in nature,” Zuchtriegel said. “In fact, they represent the relationship between the individual and fate: Cassandra, who can see the future, but no one believes her, Apollo, who stands with the Trojans against the Greek invaders, but, being a god, cannot ensure victory.”
Other unsolved discoveries include two houses connected to each other in front of renovated living rooms when the explosion occurred.
When was Pompeii rediscovered?
Spanish military engineer Roque JoaquÃn de Alcubierre De Alcubierre (re)discovered Pompeii in 1748. An amphitheater and an inscription with the city's name were some of the first excavations.
The city was buried in debris after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, killing thousands.
