Restoration work at the Roman villa of Poppaea near Pompeii has revealed rare murals that still retain their vibrant colors despite being buried under the ash of Mount Vesuvius for nearly 2,000 years.
For the first time since restoration work began, visitors were allowed last Thursday to enter the Villa Poppaea, the magnificent palace dating back to ancient Rome that was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
An undeniably emotional experience seeing the other half of the 'peacock room' in Oplontis being excavated and meeting their counterparts: two peahens that grace the facing wall. Spectacular.
Visits to the excavation area open to the public on Thursdays: https://t.co/rnklFdtCry pic.twitter.com/ACV3O4cdtz
#Newly uncovered frescoes at Villa Poppaea near Pompeii display vivid original pigments, offering rare insight into Roman artistry and luxury preserved since the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. https://t.co/jYHNmjK4rA
The villa was home to Poppaea Sabina, the second wife of Emperor Nero, whom some believe he later killed, and was being restored at the time of the volcanic eruption.
Pompei, before the pubblico il new scavo della Villa di Poppea
Pompei, before the pubblico il new scavo della Villa di Poppea
“It’s important that we reopen the villa to visitors as we’re nearing the end of the restoration,” says Arianna Spinosa, director of the archaeological site near Naples. Spinosa describes each excavation as a surprise, explaining that while they expected to find some frescoes, the discoveries far exceeded their expectations, especially the vibrant colors that appeared as if they had just been painted.
Pompéi: The pope's villa is available for visitors with fresh french fries and delicious meals https://t.co/2FXZ5DwdwT
The most recent discoveries were found in the oldest parts of the villa, dating back to the mid-first century BC. Among them are the legs of a graceful bird appearing against a yellow frieze (a decorative band formed according to a specific geometric pattern on building walls), and a peacock that is almost complete except for its head.
The peacock was found in the main salon with its reflective wall, the most impressive room in the villa. Giuseppe Scarpati, the site's chief archaeologist, notes that the peacock, associated with the goddess Juno, was a favorite and frequently recurring motif in the villa.
What distinguishes these newly discovered murals, which depict birds, fish, and fruits, is not only their intricate details, but also their original, untouched colors.
Spinoza explains that these surfaces bear original, untreated pigments, giving scientists a valuable opportunity to study the villa and its former inhabitants. Experts have identified Egyptian red and blue cinnabar pigments, which were expensive and rare at the time, testifying to the wealth of the villa's residents, their extensive trade connections, and the skill of the craftsmen who worked there.
The villa is part of the archaeological site of Oplontis, located between Pompeii and Herculaneum in the modern town of Torre Annunziata.
Villa Popaya was discovered by chance in the late 16th century during the construction of an aqueduct, and excavation work began there during the 18th century.
In 1974, excavators discovered a second nearby building known as "Villa B," which was used for processing wine and oil, but it remains closed to the public.
Elena Gravina, the lead restorer of the villa, describes the site as exceptional in its design and quality. Visitors will have the opportunity to enter the site every Thursday morning in groups of no more than ten people, to view the frescoes up close and see the restoration experts working amidst the dust and under scaffolding.
Despite all these discoveries, only about half of the villa has been excavated. Scarpati confirms that the villa's northern, eastern, and western boundaries remain unknown, adding, "The villa is likely to hold many more surprises."
