Archaeologists discover house with unique erotic frescoes in Pompeii
Archaeologists have discovered a small but extremely decorated house in Pompeii, covered with intricate and erotic frescoes. This house, located in the city center, is distinguished by the absence of an open courtyard (atrium), which was a characteristic feature of Roman architecture.
Experts believe that this change in architecture may indicate changes in the trends of Roman, especially Pompeian, society in the first century AD. The house impresses with its high level of wall decor. This is reported by Interesting Engineering.
Archaeologists explored two rooms in the back of the house. In the first room, along with a fresco depicting the myth of Hippolyta and Phaedra, there are other mythological scenes. They demonstrate a rich Pompeian style, including depictions of a satyr and a nymph embracing closely, as well as a divine couple, probably Venus and Adonis. The partially damaged scene probably represents the Court of Paris.
Next to the painting of Hippolyta and Phaedra there is a window overlooking a small courtyard where construction work was underway during the eruption. Near the entrance is a small domestic altar with rich painted decor with floral and animal motifs.
Archaeologists have discovered ritual objects inside the niche that remained from the last offering before the eruption of 79 AD, which destroyed Pompeii. In particular, they found a colorless ceramic smoking pipe and a lamp with traces of burning, as well as the remains of branches of fragrant essences and dried figs.
Gabriel Zuchtrigel, director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, noted that this is an example of "circular archaeology", when preservation, research, management, and accessibility of finds form an interconnected cycle. He emphasized that studying and preserving artifacts of past generations is important.
As a reminder, archaeologists have found a square dating back to the era of Ancient Rome in Spain.
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