Researchers say a life-sized statue of a man and a woman was found in a tomb in Pompeii after thousands of years of the deadly volcano was wiped out. Ancient Roman city.
The researchers say that almost life-sized figures bring new revelations to Pompeii’s life and religion, Destroyed When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD
According to the press release, the discovery was conducted during research conducted by researchers at the University of Valencia, which focused on the cemetery of Porta Sarno, a region just outside the city. The site is a cemetery and was discovered during railway construction in the 1990s. Since 1998, researchers have discovered evidence of more than 50 cremated burials in the cemetery. Since July 2024, the current excavation has been called “the archaeology of the Death Investigation of Pompeii”.
Alfio Giannotti
The researchers’ report shows that the statues were found in the southern half of the grave. The pumice stone indicates that this part of the grave was buried shortly before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
The figures are relief at funerals, the researchers said. The couple may have been married and appear to be “rich” as the researchers say.
“The deliciousness and detail of the sculpture is significant,” the researchers wrote. “We can appreciate the carvings of the careful hands, fingers and nails. We can also see detailed works on the folds of clothes and ornaments: rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc.”
The woman’s figure includes carved accessories that may indicate she is the priestess of Ceres, the goddess of harvest and fertility in Rome. Researchers say that only women from famous families may hold the position. The priestess had political power and was the highest social status for Roman women. In southern Italy, statues of priestesses holding objects related to their posts are very rare, researchers say.
Alfio Giannotti 
The man wore a toga, indicating that he was a Roman citizen. Both are depicted as possible rings of wedding rings.
Other artifacts were also found in the grave, including an ointment jar that might contain sesame oil, a mirror that might contain sesame oil, a broken mirror and a coin that depicts Neptune. The researchers say these programs may be important in funerals.
The statues may date back to the Republican period from 133 to 31 B.C., researchers said.
The statues have been transferred to another part of Pompeii for restoration. The park said they will be unveiled in an exhibition focused on feminization of ancient Pompeii, which will open on April 16. The restoration will be carried out in front of exhibition visitors.
In recent months, Pompeii has made other major discoveries. February, Paintings depicting Dionysusthe Greek God of Wine was discovered. The images are painted on the walls of a large banquet hall. In January, archaeologists Excavated a large private bathroom This includes multiple rooms and a small swimming pool.
