Millenary painting of wine and pizza unearthed in Pompeii

In the shadow of the once-eruptive Mt. Vesuvius, archaeologists continue to unravel the mysteries of the ancient city of Pompeii. Despite the two millennia that have passed since its catastrophic burial in volcanic ash, fresh discoveries are being unearthed that enlighten us about the lifestyle and tastes of those who lived there. In the latest breakthrough, researchers have uncovered a fascinating fresco portraying a culinary tableau, further illustrating the Roman Empire's gastronomic heritage.

"Pompeii never ceases to amaze; it is a chest that always reveals new treasures," said Italian Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, in a recent statement. His comments echo the global sentiment towards the historically rich site, which continues to captivate scholars and tourists alike. As an ongoing subject of intense archaeological focus, Pompeii's newfound treasures are testimony to its enduring value.

The fresco in question was discovered in the atrium of a house in the 10th subsection, also known as an "insula," of the larger Regio IX area of Pompeii. This mural represents an exceptional find, offering a vivid window into ancient Roman dining customs.

The newly discovered fresco presents an intriguing still-life. A silver goblet of wine rests alongside a well-topped flatbread on a silver platter, reflecting the Roman penchant for gastronomy. While the round flatbread adorned with toppings might be mistaken for a predecessor of the pizza, the absence of mozzarella and tomatoes - the latter of which didn't reach Europe until the Renaissance - indicates this dish would have been closer to what we now know as focaccia.

These murals, known as xenia motifs, are depictions of the hospitality offered to guests by Roman homeowners, a practice adopted from Hellenic Greek culture. In this fresco, the depicted offerings include not only the flatbread and wine, but also pomegranates, a variety of spices, a pesto-style condiment, and possibly dates. This fresco lends additional context to the Romans' commitment to hospitality, mirroring their overall societal sophistication.

As Gabriel Zuchtriegel, general director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, reflects, this humble meal, contrasted against the luxury of silver trays and artistic refinement, paints a picture of a society that valued both simplicity and opulence. He posits, "How can we not think about pizza, also born as a 'poor' dish in Southern Italy that has now conquered the world and is served in Michelin star restaurants?"

Remarkably, the house where the fresco was found appears to have been connected to a bakery, further highlighting the culinary connection. Unearthed initially in the 19th century, it was not until a recent excavation that began in January that the mural was discovered, adding a unique morsel to Pompeii's already extensive menu of historical revelations.

According to the Pompeii Archaeological Park, this fresco joins the ranks of approximately 300 other murals discovered in ancient sites in the vicinity of Mt. Vesuvius, each contributing to our understanding of the lives and times of the residents of ancient Pompeii. These ongoing discoveries reinforce Pompeii's standing as an invaluable resource for archaeological research, as we continue to dig deeper into the past to understand the roots of our shared human heritage.