Archaeologists at Pompeii discovered previously unseen frescoes in the colonnaded hall of a lavish private residence. The colorful still-life scenes offer unique insights into the daily lives and diets of the ancient Romans.
Frescoed Colonnade Found in Pompeii
Archaeologists unearthed an oecus, or colonnaded hall, within a large house located in Region IX of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. Recent excavations of the hall revealed extraordinarily well-preserved frescoes, which date back to the first century BCE. Spaces like these typically functioned as the principal hall or salon in an ancient Roman house. In this case, a series of interior columns support the hall’s sprawling size. It would have been used as a gathering place for Roman banquets in ancient times.
Frescoes Were Created in the Second Pompeian Style
The Pompeians’ prolific use of frescos in both public and private buildings offers a rare look at their customs, culture, and daily life. The frescoes found in Region IX’s colonnaded hall showcase the social and economic significance of Roman banquets in Pompeii. Painted against a vibrant red background, a series of still life, hunting, and fishing scenes are framed by a trompe-l’oeil colonnade, which creates an illusion of depth. Colorful chickens, waterfowl, and a boar appear alongside heaping baskets of seafood and shellfish, highlighting the ancient city’s advanced artistry and culinary tastes.
Region IX’s frescoed colonnade exemplifies the Second Pompeian Style, which flourished during the first century BCE. Trompe-l’oeil—or “trick of the eye”—compositions dominated frescoes during this time. Fresco artists of the Second Pompeian Style began experimenting with relative and atmospheric perspectives to achieve an architectural effect. By the end of the century, this style had been usurped by the Third Pompeian Style, which was less rigid and more ornamental.
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What Are Archaeologists Doing at Pompeii?
Today, the Archaeological Park of Pompeii offers visitors the chance to explore the ruins of the ancient city’s once-busting streets and buildings. The latest fresco findings are part of ongoing efforts to research and preserve Pompeii, which was famously buried under several feet of ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The archaeological site encompasses approximately 13,000 excavated structures—including ancient Roman homes, public buildings, and sacred sites. Archaeologists are currently focused on excavating Regions IX and X of the park. They are also working to stabilize the site to ensure the long-term survival of the ancient city’s legacy.
