He is one of the world's most
famous dogs, the snarling, black-and-white mosaic canine and
protector of the Pompeii archaeological site.
Indeed, with his black hair, curled form, and bared teeth,
the ancient canine has stood ready for almost 2,000 years to
discourage intruders from setting foot in the Domus of the
Tragic Poet, supported by the infamous inscription 'Cave Canem'
or 'Beware of the Dog'.
Now, this universal symbol of the city that was buried
under the lava of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD has been restored and
returned to the public eye in the archaeological remains of
Pompeii.
Years of rain, mud, dirt and neglect were gradually cleaned
away to bring him back to public viewing just in time for the
dog days at the end of July.
The work on the canine is just one in a series of measures
aimed at restoring and protecting Pompeii, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, for future generations, said Culture Minister
Dario Franceschini.
In a post on his Twitter feed, he wrote: "Offered to the
public the splendid new staging of Cave Canem".
"(At) #Pompei, every day a proud step forward," wrote the
minister.
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