Pompeii, the ancient Roman city tragically buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, continues to yield fascinating glimpses into the past. Recent excavations have unearthed human remains, vibrant frescoes, and charming children’s doodles, adding to the rich tapestry of life and death preserved in volcanic ash.
The ongoing archaeological work at Pompeii has revealed a wealth of new discoveries in and around several houses within the city. Two sets of human remains, belonging to an elderly man and woman, were found near the entrance of the House of the Painters at Work. It appears they sought refuge from the eruption in a narrow corridor, a poignant testament to the terror of that fateful day. Inside the house, archaeologists uncovered stunning frescoes depicting mythological figures like griffins, mermaids, and centaurs, alongside gods and goddesses such as Venus, Apollo, and Bacchus.
Remains of two individuals found during the recent excavations.Skeletal remains discovered near the House of the Painters at Work, Pompeii. Photo: Parco archeologico di Pompei
In the House of the Colonnaded Cenacle (Cenacolo colonnato), simple charcoal drawings, likely created by a child, adorn the walls of a corridor. These rudimentary sketches depict gladiators in combat, an eagle’s head, and a dynamic hunting scene.
Nearby, further charcoal etchings were found, including outlines of three small hands, additional gladiatorial scenes, and what appears to be a boxing match with one figure lying on the ground. This boxing scene features red pigment, possibly ochre, adding a touch of color to the ancient artwork.
Inside the House of the Painters at Work.Frescoes inside the House of the Painters at Work showcase mythological figures and deities. Photo: Parco archeologico di Pompei
These recent finds build upon previous discoveries, such as the 2022 revelation of a middle-class home complete with amphorae and cookware, and the sequencing of the genome of a man who perished in the eruption, likely due to a pyroclastic flow.
The ongoing excavations at Pompeii offer a powerful reminder of the city’s vibrant past, frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Each new discovery provides invaluable insights into the lives, art, and final moments of the people who called Pompeii home, painting a vivid picture of life in an ancient Roman city.
