Archaeological Study Analyzes Ritual Incense Residues from Ancient Pompeii

An international research team has conducted the first scientific analysis of ritual incense residues from Pompeii, publishing their findings in the journal Antiquity. The study examined two ancient vessels: an incense cup discovered in 1954 at a converted inn called Officina di Sabbatino, and a hemispherical bowl found in 1986 within a domestic shrine at a farmhouse in Boscoreale, located two miles northwest of Pompeii. Researchers collected minimally invasive samples from both containers, using specialized techniques including sieves, centrifuges, and solvents to analyze the contents. Analysis revealed charred plant materials including oak and laurel in the first vessel, while the second contained similar botanical remains along with grape-derived substances possibly indicating wine or vinegar, plus potential frankincense fragments. The frankincense appears to originate from India, suggesting extensive trade connections for Pompeii. This research provides physical evidence for ritual practices previously known only through texts and illustrations, contributing to the growing field of sensory archaeology by mapping ancient smellscapes. The study was led by Johannes Eber from the University of Zurich.