Beijing, 21 Aug (Xinhua) -- The Italian Ministry of Culture said on 20 August that archaeologists found the remains of a narrow bedroom at the site of a manor near Pompeii, which was "almost certainly" used by slaves at that time. Experts believe that the new findings will help to understand the life and social status of slaves in ancient Rome.
Tourists visit the ancient city of Pompeii, Italy, on April 27, 2021. Xinhua News Agency
Pompeii Park said in a statement that the remains of the bedroom are located within the ruins of the ancient estate of Civita Giuliana, about 600 meters north of Pompeii. Archaeologists used plaster casting techniques to reconstruct the interior of the bedroom before and after the volcanic eruption buried the ancient city nearly 2,000 years ago. The bedroom had two beds, two small cabinets, multiple pottery utensils and some tools, including the blade of an iron hoe.
Archaeologists say one of the beds was unmated, while the other looked more comfortable, suggesting that there may have been a hierarchy within the slaves' dwellings.
Tourists visit the ancient city of Pompeii, Italy, on April 27, 2021. Xinhua News Agency
Gabriel Chuchtrigel, head of archaeology at Pompeii, said via social media that in a way, the value of the new discovery is "more important than a beautiful statue that shows ancient life."
Archaeologists also found the remains of at least 3 rats in that bedroom. One of the rats, located in a crate under the bed, appeared to want to escape during the eruption. The details once again highlighted the precarious and unhygienic lives of those at the bottom of society at that time.
Tourists visit the ancient city of Pompeii, Italy, on April 27, 2021. Xinhua News Agency
Archaeologists did not find any railings, chains or other tools that restricted personal freedom. "It seems that control is mainly exercised through internal organization, rather than physical barriers and limitations," Chukhtrigel said. ”
Excavations at the site of the ancient estate of Civita Giuliana began in 1907-1908 and were interrupted for many years, and when excavations resumed in 2017, archaeologists and police discovered that the site had been excavated. One of the beds in the remains of the bedroom found was destroyed by criminals.
Tourists visit the ancient city of Pompeii, Italy, on April 27, 2021. Xinhua News Agency
After the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, the ancient Roman city of Pompeii at the foot of the mountain was buried under volcanic ash several meters deep. This ancient city is the best-preserved Roman city site in Italy and has been inscribed on the World Heritage List. (Wang Xinfang)
Source: Xinhua News Agency