Pompeii continues to amaze the world with new discoveries that shed light on daily life over two thousand years ago. This ancient city, frozen in time after the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius, offers one of the most extraordinary glimpses into Roman civilization. Year after year, ongoing excavations and research uncover fascinating details about the lives of its inhabitants.
Against this backdrop, the exhibition Being a Woman in Ancient Pompeii will open on April 16 at the Great Gymnasium of the archaeological site. This exhibition provides a unique insight into the role of women in Pompeian society, narrating their stories through frescoes, inscriptions, everyday objects, and funerary monuments.
But that’s not all. Alongside this fascinating exhibition, a recent discovery at Porta Sarno adds yet another piece to the grand puzzle of Pompeii’s history. A monumental stone funerary relief depicting a man and a woman has emerged from excavations, offering an even richer perspective on life and death in antiquity.
Pompeii: An Ancient City Frozen in Time
Nestled at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii was a thriving Roman city known for its trade, lavish buildings, and vibrant social life. However, the catastrophic eruption of 79 AD buried it under layers of ash and pumice, preserving it in astonishing detail.
Since excavations began in the 18th century, Pompeii has become an essential reference point for understanding Roman civilization. Its cobbled streets, frescoed houses, shops, and temples offer an unparalleled opportunity to step back in time and witness daily life as it was two millennia ago.
Yet, beyond its architectural wonders, it is the human remains and personal artifacts that tell the most compelling stories. And this is precisely what the Being a Woman in Ancient Pompeii exhibition seeks to explore.
Being a Woman in Pompeii: An Exhibition That Brings History to Life
Who were the women of Pompeii? What roles did they play in society? This exhibition answers these questions by offering an extraordinary journey through the lives of Pompeian women—from powerful matrons to industrious freedwomen, from priestesses to slaves.
Every artifact on display reveals a glimpse into their world: weaving tools, jewelry, frescoes depicting them in their homes or temples. Wall inscriptions preserve their voices, while funerary monuments tell stories of love, ambition, and social status.
Additionally, visitors will have a unique opportunity to witness experts at work, as the restoration of some artifacts will continue live during the exhibition. This immersive experience allows us to appreciate the meticulous effort behind every archaeological discovery.
The Discovery at Porta Sarno: A Funerary Relief That Speaks of Eternity
Alongside the exhibition, recent excavations in Pompeii have uncovered a remarkable find: a stone funerary relief depicting a man and a woman, discovered in the necropolis of Porta Sarno.
This monument, part of a grand tomb, is of particular interest not only for its artistic quality but also for its profound symbolism. According to archaeologists, the female figure carved into the relief may represent a priestess of Ceres, a highly significant religious role in Roman society.
credit Alfio Giannotti
Studies suggest that the relief dates back to the Late Republican period, an era of economic and cultural expansion in Pompeii. This discovery provides new insights into the city’s funerary practices and the social status of women at the time.
Furthermore, the find contributes to the study of the Porta Sarno necropolis—an area that, compared to other sections of Pompeii, remains largely unexplored—opening new avenues for future research.
A Journey Through Time: History, Art, and Archaeology
Pompeii continues to tell its story through its stones, frescoes, and monuments. The Being a Woman in Ancient Pompeii exhibition, combined with the Porta Sarno discovery, offers a unique chance to travel back in time and gain a deeper understanding of the lives of Roman women.
Whether through household work, participation in religious activities, or commerce, women played an integral role in Pompeian society. Today, thanks to new discoveries and cultural initiatives, we can finally give them the recognition they deserve.
Pompeii never ceases to amaze. And who knows? Beneath the ashes, there may still be countless stories waiting to be uncovered.