Rare Natural Size Statues of Co -covered Couple that are found in Pompeya’s Tomb

Natural statues of a man and a woman in a grave in Pompeii were discovered, the researchers said, thousands of years after a mortal volcano annihilated the Old Roman city.

Researchers say that almost vital figures shed new light on life and religion in Pompeya, That was destroyed When Mount Vesubio burst in 79 AD

The discovery was made while researchers from the archaeological site and the University of Valencia worked in an excavation focused on the necropolis of Porta Sarnno, which was just outside the city, according to a press release. The site served as a cemetery and was discovered in the 1990s during rail construction. Since 1998, researchers have found evidence of more than 50 cremation burials in the necropolis. The current excavation, called “Archeology Research of Death in Pompeya”, has been ongoing since July 2024.

The statues were found in the southern half of the grave, covered with pumice, according to a report of the researchers. The pumice stone indicated that this part of the grave had been buried in earthquakes shortly before the eruption of Mount Vesubio.

The figures are a funeral relief, the researchers said. The couple may have been married and seem to have been “accommodated,” according to researchers.

“The delicacy and detail of the sculpture are notable,” the researchers wrote. “We can appreciate the careful size of the hands, fingers and nails. We can also see the detailed work in the folds of clothing and ornaments: rings, bracelets, necklace, etc.”

The woman’s figure includes carved accessories that can indicate that she was a priestess of Ceres, a goddess of the Roman harvest and fertility. The researchers said it is likely that only women from prominent families occupied this position. The priestesses exercised political power and had the greatest possible social position for Roman women. The statues of priestesses that support elements associated with their positions are very rare in southern Italy, the researchers said.

The man carries a toga that indicates that he is a Roman citizen. Both are represented with use rings that can be wedding alliances.

Other relics, including ointment bottles that may have kept the scented oil, a broken mirror and a currency that represents the Neptune sea God were also found in the grave. These elements may have been important in funeral rites, the researchers said.

The statues can be sent to the late republican period, which varied from 133 to 31 a. C., the researchers said.

The statues have been transferred to another part of Pompeii for restoration work. They will be presented in an exhibition that focuses on femininity in ancient Pompeya, which will open on April 16. The restoration will be carried out in front of the visitors of the exhibition, said the park.

Other important findings have been discovered in Pompeya in recent months. In February, Paintings representing Dionysusthe Greek God of wine were discovered. The images were painted on the walls of a large banquet room. In January, archaeologists It excavated a large private bathroom house That included multiple rooms and an immersion pool.

In:
• Rome
• Pompeii
• Italy
• Archaeologist