Rare Roman paintings from centuries ago have been uncovered in the ruins of Pompeii, buried under ash from the catastrophic volcanic eruption in 79 A.D. The paintings were found in a dining room, described as spectacular, with elegant black walls displaying mythological characters inspired by the Trojan War. The room opened onto a courtyard with a staircase to the first floor, with walls painted black to hide smoke from oil lamps. The paintings featured figures such as Helen of Troy, Cassandra, and other Greek mythological characters, highlighting themes of heroism, fate, and changing destiny. The newly excavated site also revealed two pairs of gladiators drawn with charcoal under the staircase.
The paintings provided a backdrop for conversations about the past and life, revealing the relationship between the individual and fate. The discovery also included interconnected houses that were being renovated when the eruption occurred, shedding light on the daily lives of Pompeii residents. Pompeii was rediscovered in 1748 by Spanish military engineer Roque Joaquín de Alcubierre De Alcubierre, with the first excavations revealing an amphitheater and an inscription with the city’s name. The city was buried in debris from the eruption, killing thousands and preserving the ancient ruins for centuries to come.
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