At the foot of the Vesuvius volcano
Insight into a previously hidden world: a well-preserved slave room discovered in Pompeii
The excavation site in Pompeii is one of the most popular sights in Italy and always harbors sensational finds
© Parco Archeologico di Pompei / DPA
“Here we see something that normally remains in the shadows”. This is how museum director Gabriel Zuchtriegel describes the new find in Pompeii.
Archaeologists have discovered a well-preserved slave room during excavations in the sunken city of Pompeii. Three beds, a few amphorae, vases and a box with bridles for horses were found in the approximately 16 square meter large chamber on a property just outside the ancient city.
The room probably served the masters of the house as a storage room and at the same time as unadorned accommodation for the slaves. “Here we see something that normally remains in the shadows,” said Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the museum director of Pompeii, the German press agency on Saturday.
Two amphorae for your belongings
The native of Baden-Württemberg recalls that in ancient traditions and documents mostly only the life of the upper class was discussed. The new find now offers the chance to get a little insight into the life of the slaves.
At least three slaves must have slept in the room. The beds were simple wooden cots covered with ropes, on which cloths or carpets were placed. Two beds were about 1.70 meters long, one – probably for a child – 1.40 meters. The landlord’s amphorae stood in the corners. The slaves are likely to have kept their belongings in two amphorae under the beds, Zuchtriegel said.
Pompeii rediscovered in the 18th century
In addition, in the middle of the room, which had only one small window, there was a wooden box with bridle and metal, a drawbar leaned against the bed. This belonged to a float that was discovered in the next room at the beginning of the year. “We didn’t expect to find such a room. We often walked past it,” remarked Zuchtriegel. The remains of three horses had been discovered one room further, which had already caused a sensation in 2018.
The ancient city of Pompeii lies at the foot of the Vesuvius volcano. During eruptions in 79 AD, ash, mud and lava buried the settlements and partially preserved the city. Pompeii was rediscovered in the 18th century. The archaeological site is one of the most popular sights in Italy and always harbors sensational finds.