Extraordinary tomb discovery at Pompeii's Porta Sarno necropolis reveals Greco-Roman cultural fusion

Recent excavations at the Porta Sarno necropolis, conducted by the Parco Archeologico di Pompei and the University of Valencia, have led to the discovery of the tomb of Marcus Venerius Secundio, a former public slave and Augustalis. The inscription on the tomb references "ludi graeci et latini per quadriduum," providing the earliest evidence of Greek-language performances in Pompeii. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director, emphasized the city's multicultural nature, with Greek serving as a common language. The tomb, which dates back to the city's last years, contains a masonry enclosure and Secundio's partially mummified remains—an uncommon find in Pompeii. Additionally, two cremation urns were uncovered, one belonging to Novia Amabilis. Culture Minister Dario Franceschini commended the discovery, and discussions about public access to the necropolis are underway.