Recent archaeological excavations in Pompeii have uncovered remarkable life-sized statues of a man and a woman, providing new insights into life and religion in the ancient Roman city.
Significant Discovery in Pompeii
Researchers announced the findings as part of an excavation project focused on the necropolis of Porta Sarno, located just outside the city. This site, which served as a burial ground, was discovered during railway construction in the 1990s. Since then, over 50 cremation burials have been documented, and the current excavation, titled „Investigating the Archaeology of Death in Pompeii,” has been ongoing since July 2024.
Details of the Statues
The nearly life-sized figures were located in the southern half of the tomb, covered with pumice stone. This material suggests that the tomb had been buried in earthquakes that occurred shortly before the catastrophic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. The researchers describe the statues as a funerary relief, indicating that the couple depicted may have been married and belonged to a wealthy class.
Artistic Characteristics
The sculptures exhibit remarkable detail, with careful carvings of the hands, fingers, and nails, as well as intricate folds in the clothing and various ornaments including rings, bracelets, and necklaces. Notably, the woman’s figure features accessories that suggest she may have been a priestess of Ceres, the Roman goddess of harvest and fertility. This role was typically held by women from prominent families, who enjoyed significant political power and social standing.
Context of the Findings
The man depicted in the statue is shown wearing a toga, a garment that signifies his status as a Roman citizen. Both figures are adorned with rings that could represent wedding bands. In addition to the statues, other artifacts were found in the tomb, such as ointment jars likely used for perfumed oil, a broken mirror, and a coin featuring Neptune, the sea god. These items are believed to have been integral to ancient funerary rites.
Future Plans for the Statues
Researchers suggest that the statues may date back to the late Republican period, approximately between 133 and 31 B.C. They have since been moved to another part of Pompeii for restoration work. The restored statues will be featured in an upcoming exhibition focused on womanhood in ancient Pompeii, set to open on April 16, 2025. The restoration process will take place in view of exhibition visitors, allowing the public to witness the careful preservation of these historical artifacts.
Recent Archaeological Activity
This discovery adds to a series of significant finds in Pompeii in recent months, including exquisite paintings of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, discovered in a banquet room, and a large private bathhouse unearthed in January that featured multiple rooms and a plunge pool.
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