A shrine with blue walls comes to light in Pompeii

Found during the excavation activity which is affecting insula 10 of Regio IX

A new environment excavated in the central area of the ancient city, painted in blue and interpretable as a sacrarium, that is, a space dedicated to ritual activities and the conservation of sacred objects. The environment was previewed in the Rai special Meraviglie on 27 May, edited and conducted by Alberto Angela and published in the Pompeii excavations e-Journal.

On a blue background, the walls show female figures flanking the niches in the centre, and which depict, in the lateral ones, the four seasons, the Horae, while in those on the central wall allegories of agriculture and pastoralism, as indicated by the attributes of the plow and the pedum, a short stick used by shepherds and hunters.

THE BLUE AND THE OBJECTS FOUND

The blue color found here was rarely witnessed in Pompeian frescoes and was generally present in environments of great decorative importance. Already partially explored in the Bourbon era, the excavation revealed objects belonging to the furnishings of the house, temporarily deposited during construction works covering the entire complex. Fifteen transport amphorae and a bronze kit consisting of two jugs and two lamps were found in the room. There are also accumulations of building materials, ready to be used in renovations.

OYSTER SHELLS FOR PLASTERS

A pile of already consumed oyster shells was found on the entrance threshold which, once chopped, were probably added to the mixtures for the plasters and mortars.
The room, which measures approximately 8 square metres, emerged among the structures located in the southern portion of the block, pertaining to a secondary district of a large domus, which has so far revealed a spa district still under excavation and a large black frescoed hall overlooking a courtyard, with staircase leading to the first floor of the complex. The excavation activity which is affecting insula 10 of Regio IX is part of a broader project to secure the perimeter front between the excavated and non-excavated area, and to improve the hydrogeological structure, aimed at making the protection of the vast Pompeian heritage (more than 13 thousand rooms in 1,070 residential units, in addition to public and sacred spaces) more effective and sustainable.