PREVIEW

A breathtaking banqueting chamber painted with depictions of mythological figures and scenes from the Trojan War has been discovered during new excavations within insula (block) 10 of Regio IX in Pompeii.
Now fully unveiled, the room shines in all its grandeur.
This opulent space provided an exquisite setting for Roman social gatherings before Vesuvius buried Pompeii in ash in AD79.
The frescoes and mosaics are from the Third Style era (around 20-10 BC).
The prevalent theme of the frescoes appears to be one of heroism, as portrayed through representations of heroic pairs and deities entwined in the events of the Trojan War, intertwined with elements of fate and the often unclaimed opportunity for humans to alter their destinies.
Among the figures depicted, alongside Helen and Paris identified in a Greek inscription by the name "Alexandros," stands Cassandra, daughter of Priam, depicted alongside Apollo. In Greek mythology, Cassandra was famed for her gift of prophecy and her tragic destiny, unable to alter future events due to a curse inflicted by Apollo for her refusal of him. Despite her foresight, she couldn't prevent the calamities of the Trojan War, ultimately becoming a slave after the fall of Troy.
Explaining the figures on the walls, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the Director of the Archaeological park of Pompeii said: “The mythological couples provided ideas for conversations about the past and life, only seemingly of a merely romantic nature. In reality, they refer to the relationship between the individual and fate: Cassandra who can see the future but no one believes her, Apollo who sides with the Trojans against the Greek invaders, but being a god, cannot ensure victory, Helen and Paris who, despite their politically incorrect love affair, are the cause of the war, or perhaps merely a pretext.
He also explained that aside from the frescoes the walls were painted black to prevent smoke from oil lamps being seen. Romans often met to dine after sunset, utilising artificial light from the lamps.
The frequent inclusion of mythological figures in the décor of Roman household living and dining areas served a social purpose, entertaining guests and stimulating conversations and reflections on life.
Measuring approximately fifteen meters in length and six metres in width, the chamber opens onto a courtyard, seemingly an uncovered vestibule with a plain staircase leading to the upper floor.
Beneath the staircase's arches, a significant accumulation of building materials was discovered, along with charcoal drawings of two pairs of gladiators and what seems to be a large stylized phallus on fresh plaster.
The excavation of insula 10 of Regio IX forms part of a broader project aimed at fortifying the perimeter between excavated and unexcavated areas, while enhancing the hydrogeological structure for the sustainable preservation of Pompeii's extensive heritage, comprising over 13,000 rooms across 1070 residential units alongside public and sacred spaces.
Thus far, the excavation has unveiled two interconnected residences, including a dwelling with a bakery and a fullonica (laundry) overlooking via Nola, whose facades were previously uncovered in the late nineteenth century.