Pompeii's Ancient Thermopolium Opens to Public for First Time
On August 12, 2021, a remarkably preserved thermopolium, an ancient Roman fast-food establishment, was fully excavated in Regio V of Pompeii and subsequently opened to visitors. This site, initially discovered in 2019, showcased vibrant frescoes, a graffito stating 'Nicia cineade cacator,' and numerous artifacts, including nine amphorae and a bronze patera. Among the findings were crushed fava beans in a dolium and animal remains, which comprised a small dog skeleton and the bones of two human victims from the eruption in 79 AD. Massimo Osanna, the interim Director General of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, emphasized the collaborative efforts of the interdisciplinary team. Minister of Culture Dario Franceschini commended their teamwork. A documentary titled 'Pompei ultima scoperta' was broadcast on Rai2 on December 27, 2020.
Key facts
- Thermopolium opened to public on August 12, 2021
- Located at intersection of Vicolo delle Nozze d'argento and Vicolo dei Balconi in Regio V
- Frescoes include Nereid on horseback, ducks, rooster, leashed dog
- Graffito reads 'Nicia cineade cacator'
- Fava beans found in wine dolium to whiten wine
- Complete skeleton of small dog (20-25 cm shoulder height)
- Bones of adult male over 50 found on bed
- Documentary 'Pompei ultima scoperta' aired December 27, 2020 on Rai2
Entities
Artists
- Massimo Osanna
- Andrea Viliani
- Dario Franceschini
- Pierre Stine
- Duilio Giammaria
- Giulia Ronchi
Institutions
- Pompeii Archaeological Park
- Grande Progetto Pompei
- Castello di Rivoli Research Institute
- MIBACT
- European Union
- RAI Documentari
- Raidue
- Artribune
Locations
- Pompeii
- Italy
- Regio V
- Vicolo delle Nozze d'argento
- Vicolo dei Balconi
- House of the Silver Wedding