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Pompeii Excavation Unearths Life-Size Statues, Offering Glimpse into Ancient Roman Life
Archaeological experts in Pompeii have announced the remarkable discovery of life-sized statues of a man and woman within an ancient tomb. This significant find provides fresh insights into the lives and religious practices of the inhabitants of Pompeii, the Roman city famously devastated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.
Statues Unearthed in Porta Sarno Necropolis
The extraordinary relics were uncovered during ongoing excavations in the necropolis of Porta Sarno, situated just outside the city walls of Pompeii. A team from the archaeological site and the University of Valencia are conducting the excavation, focusing on this burial ground, which was initially identified in the 1990s during railway construction. Investigations at the Porta Sarno necropolis since 1998 have already revealed over 50 cremation burials, and the current excavation, titled “Investigating the Archaeology of Death in Pompeii,” commenced in July 2024.
Funerary Relief Provides Clues to Pompeii Residents
Researchers reported that the statues, a funerary relief depicting a couple, were located in the southern section of the tomb, buried under pumice stone. The presence of pumice suggests this part of the tomb was already submerged following seismic activity predating the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius.
The figures are believed to represent a married couple of considerable means. Experts emphasize the exceptional artistry and intricate detailing of the sculpture.
“The refinement and meticulousness of the sculpting are truly striking,” noted the research team. “One can observe the careful modeling of the hands, fingers, and fingernails, as well as the detailed rendering of the folds in their garments and adornments, including rings, bracelets, and a necklace.”
Possible Priestess of Ceres Depicted
Intriguingly, the female figure features carved accessories that suggest she may have been a priestess dedicated to Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility. Archaeologists indicate that such positions were typically held by women from distinguished families. Priestesses in ancient Roman society held notable political influence and represented the highest echelon of social status for women. Statuary depictions of priestesses carrying symbols of their office are exceptionally scarce in the Southern Italian region, according to researchers.
The male figure is clad in a toga, clearly designating him as a Roman citizen. Both figures are adorned with rings, speculated to be wedding bands.
Tomb Reveals Additional Artifacts
Other artifacts retrieved from the tomb include ointment vessels, potentially containing perfumed oils, along with a fragmented mirror and a coin bearing the image of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. Researchers propose that these objects likely played a significant role in ancient Roman funerary rituals.
Statues Potentially Date to Late Republican Era
Based on initial assessments, the statues may originate from the late Republican period of Rome, spanning from 133 to 31 B.C., as stated by the research team.
Restoration and Exhibition Plans
Currently, the statues have been relocated within Pompeii to undergo meticulous restoration. They are set to become central exhibits in an upcoming exhibition focused on the roles of women in ancient Pompeii, scheduled to open on April 16th. The Pompeii archaeological park has announced that the restoration process will be conducted publicly, allowing exhibition visitors to observe the conservation work in progress.
Recent Pompeii Discoveries
Pompeii has witnessed a series of significant archaeological discoveries recently. In February, the unearthing of wall paintings depicting Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, within a spacious banquet hall was announced. Prior to that, in January, archaeologists completed the excavation of a substantial private bathhouse complex, featuring numerous rooms and a plunge pool.