A recently unearthed banquet room in the ancient city of Pompeii has revealed stunning frescoes depicting scenes from the Trojan war, mesmerizing archaeologists and art enthusiasts alike.
Dubbed the “black room”, the chamber is located in a former private residence in the Regio IX area of Pompeii. The walls of the room are adorned with intricate artworks featuring mythical Greek figures such as Helen of Troy and Apollo attempting to win over Cassandra. These frescoes, dating back to between 15BC and AD40-50, are of the “third style” known for their detailed ornateness.
The banquet room was likely used as a sophisticated setting for entertaining guests during lavish feasts, providing a picturesque backdrop for social gatherings. The room’s mosaic floor boasts over a million tiny white tiles and leads out to a courtyard with a staircase ascending to the first floor.
In addition to the discovery of the “black room”, the ongoing excavations in Regio IX have unveiled a cramped bakery where enslaved individuals were believed to have been exploited to produce bread. Tragically, the remains of three victims of the AD79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius were found in the bakery, alongside a still-life fresco resembling a pizza.
Pompeii, often described as a treasure trove of surprises, continues to captivate visitors and experts with its wealth of artifacts. As the second most-visited archaeological site in the world, Pompeii remains a hotspot for tourists and historians eager to delve into the history and beauty of this ancient city.
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