ANCIENT FRESCOES DISCOVERED IN POMPEII’S ASHES DEPICT GREEK MYTHOLOGICAL SIBLINGS

“It is a beautiful fresco in an excellent state of conservation. The myth of Phrixus and Helle is widespread at Pompeii but it is topical too. They are two refugees at sea, a brother and sister, forced to flee because their stepmother wants rid of them and she does so with deception and corruption. She [Helle] fell into the water and drowned,” he said.

Cantiere di “Restauro, Scavo e Valorizzazione della Casa di Leda" posta lungo Via del Vesuvio. Gli interventi stanno interessando gli ambienti già noti della Casa di Leda emersi tra il 2018 e il 2019 e gli ambienti di due domus limitrofe. L'intervista al Direttore Generale pic.twitter.com/80gu5b5pnL

— Pompeii Sites (@pompeii_sites) March 1, 2024

Exquisite artistry and vibrant colours dominate the fresco which depicts Helle on the verge of drowning and her face appears obscured by waves as she extends her hand to her brother.

In recent months, archeological finds have included 13 Nativity-style statuettes, which provide evidence of pagan ceremonial rituals used in the ancient Roman metropolis.

Archaeologists found a remarkable still-life fresco in June of last year that has a pizza-like appearance and an object that looks like a pineapple.

Zuchtriegel optimistically spoke about giving access to these preserved homes to the public in the near future, as the highlighted the latest find’s cultural and historical significance.

In AD79, a volcanic eruption destroyed the ancient city of Pompeii in which more than 2,000 people were killed. These ruins today have become one of the world’s most visited archaeological sites.