Italy: 'Virgin' frescoes emerge from Pompeii suburb • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Pompea Sabina: Nero’s second wife and owner of the villa.
• Villa: A large, luxurious Roman country house, in this case, a “pleasure palace.”
• Vesuvius Eruption (79 AD): The volcanic eruption that preserved the villa and its contents.
• Frescoes: Wall paintings done on wet plaster, common in Roman villas.
• Juno: Roman goddess, associated with peacocks which are a recurring motif in the villa’s artwork.
• Excavation: The process of systematically uncovering archaeological remains.

The Rediscovery of Pompea Sabina’s Villa

The villa belonging to Pompea Sabina, the second wife of Emperor Nero, has recently been opened to the public following extensive restoration work. This allows visitors to experience the site as it may have been 2,000 years ago, walking the colonades once frequented by Sabina herself. The ongoing excavations continue to reveal significant discoveries, exceeding initial expectations regarding the preservation and vibrancy of the artwork. Specifically, recent work uncovered a wealth of frescoes with remarkably vivid and authentic colors.

Preservation by Volcanic Ash & Artistic Motifs

The villa’s exceptional state of preservation is directly attributable to its engulfment during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The volcanic ash acted as a protective layer, preserving the original pigments and intricate details of the frescoes. A prominent artistic motif throughout the villa is the peacock. This is significant as the peacock was considered a sacred animal associated with the Roman goddess Juno, suggesting a potential religious or symbolic importance to the villa’s decoration and perhaps to Sabina herself. The villa originally enjoyed a panoramic view of the Bay of Naples, though its location is now further inland due to geographical changes and modern development.

Scope of Excavation & Ongoing Research

Current estimates suggest that only 50 to 60% of the villa’s total area has been excavated. While initial excavations took place between the 1960s and 1980s, a new dig commenced last year. This renewed effort isn’t solely focused on uncovering further historical details about the villa’s famous inhabitant, Pompea Sabina, but also on actively protecting the oldest and most vulnerable sections of the structure. The ongoing research aims to provide historians with new clues regarding the life and times of the villa’s owner and the broader Roman society of the period.

Access & Future Potential

Currently, access to the site is limited to guided tours for groups of up to 10 people, offered each Thursday morning. Given that a substantial portion of the villa remains unexcavated, the potential for future discoveries remains high. As stated in the transcript, “Every excavation brings a surprise,” highlighting the ongoing nature of archaeological research and the possibility of uncovering further treasures and insights into Roman life.