Stunning frescoes of the Trojan War
have been found in the latest sensational discovery in fresh
digs at Pompeii, officials said Thursday.
The mythological figures inspired by Homer's epic the Iliad have
been found in all their former glory on the elegant
black-painted walls of an imposing banqueting hall in the insula
10 of the Regio IX in the ancient Roman city buried and
preserved by Vesuvius in 79 AD.
"Pompeii is truly a treasure trove that never stops surprising
us and prompting amazement because, each time we dig, we find
something beautiful and significant," said Culture Minister
Gennaro Sanguliano.
The dominant theme of the hall seems to be heroism, both for the
depiction of pairs of heroes and gods linked to the Trojan War,
and for the references to fate and at the same time the
possibility of humans to change their destinies.
As well as Helen and Paris, there is Cassandra, daughter of
Priam, together with Apollo.
Cassandra was known in Greek myth for her ability see the future
but at the same time the inevitability of her prophecies being
disbelieved.
This was because of a curse inflicted on her by Apollo.
She therefore was unable to prevent the tragic events of the
fall of Troy despite having foreseen it.
The banqueting hall measures around 15 metres by six and opens
onto a courtyard that appears to be open-air service area with
a long staircase that leads to the first floor, bare of
decoration.
A large amount of construction site materal has been unearthed
underneath the stairway arches.
Someone, possibly a slave, made charcoal drawings of two pairs
of gladiators on the raw plaster of the staircases great arches,
and what appears to be a stylised phallus.
The excavation of the area has so far brought to light two
residences connected to each other, one house with a bakery and
a 'fullonica' (washing area).
Behind these two houses are emerging sumptuous living rooms with
frescoes, also in this case undergoing major restructuring work
at the time of the eruption.
Sangiuliano added: "We believe firmly in this global uniqueness
that Pompeii represents and for this reason we have finances
fresh excavations in our current budget law.
"We must go forward in safeguarding this important site, and
also in its valorisation".
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
