Magnificent Artwork Recovered from Ruins in Pompeii

Archaeologists excavating a villa destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. have unearthed magnificent frescoes which illuminate life and culture in the ancient society, reported Archaeology Mag.

Amidst ongoing excavations at the Villa di Poppea at Oplontis, near what is now Torre Annunziata, archaeologists discovered a number of partially preserved frescoes etched on the walls. Villa de Poppea was built by Poppaea Sabina, the second wife of Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, the final ruler of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

The frescoes were discovered in a room referred to by researchers as “the Hall of the Mask and the Peacock.” The paintings are etched in remarkably detailed Second-Style and depict a range of peacocks arranged along the walls. The images were deliberately placed on the walls to draw attention to the luxurious views of the surrounding gardens.

Along the wall in the same room, archaeologists found a painting of a theatrical mask. Researchers believe that this represents Pappus, a stock character from Atellan comedy, who is often depicted in ancient media as an elderly man trying without luck to appear hip and youthful. The theatrical mask adds an element of play to the room, indicating that it may have been used for entertaining guests.

Over 100 Rooms So Far Identified at Complex

Elsewhere in the excavation, archaeologists were able to deduce the structure’s floorplan. Researchers identified four new rooms, marking a total of over 100 at the location. One of the rooms is an apsidal room, which was connected to the complex’s bathing facilities. Casting techniques also revealed trees once visible in the garden, as well as lush vegetation on the villa’s southern side which underscore the importance of architecture and landscape in the ancient society.

Archaeologists have nearly completed the restoration of two private rooms, known as cubicula, which lie near the excavation site. Researchers hope that the restoration of the complex and adjoining spaces will provide a more extensive glimpse of what life was like in Pompeii, as well as the artistic and cultural tastes which shaped the villa’s construction.