The famous ancient city of Pompeii, destroyed by pyroclastic flows of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, has once again provided us with a glimpse into the past. The city, frozen in time, a snapshot of life in ancient Rome.
Ancient Fast-food
The Archaeological Park of Pompeii announced the complete excavation of a snack bar called The Thermopolium of Regio V. The snack bar would have been the equivalent of a modern day fast-food restaurant where hot food is sold. A partial study of the structure began in 2019 from work done by the Great Pompeii Project.
The full excavation has revealed many vibrant paintings. Some of these represent animals served for consumption, such as a mallard duck, rooster, swine, goats, fish, and land snails. Also shown is an image of a Nereid riding a sea-horse. Finally a dog on a lead is depicted, likely serving as a warning akin to “beware of the dog”. Similar warnings have been found previously from ancient Rome and Pompeii.
Interestingly an inscription was found scratched into the painted frame around the dog which reads “NICIA CINAEDE CACATOR.” Literally translated this means, “Nicias (probable freedman from Greece) Shameless S—tter.” This message was likely left by a prankster or worker looking to poke fun at the owner.
Remains Found
Bone fragments of animals that are depicted along the front of the counter were discovered in containers within, one such example being a fragment of duck bone. These containers held food for sale, almost looking like a modern buffet counter. A cistern, fountain, and water tower were also discovered a short distance in front of the shop.
Human bone fragments were found, though they have been dispersed, likely by 17th century excavators looking for valuables. One individual, thought to be at least fifty years old, was likely laying on a bed of some kind when the pyroclastic flow arrived. Evidence for this consists of a space set aside for storing a bed, as well as nail and wood residue found under the body. Other bones have yet to be investigated.
Transport and pantry materials were discovered, including nine amphorae, a bronze patter, two flasks, and a common ceramic table olla. Remnants of beans were detected at the bottom of a dolium, a container used for wine. The flooring of the shop is a waterproof covering of terra-cotta fragments called cocciopesto, with fragments of polychrome marble inserted.
A complete dog skeleton was also found in a corner of the room. Unlike the large intimidating dog painted on the counter it is very small, about 20-25cm high at the shoulder as an adult. Further evidence that selective breeding for such small size took place even during the Roman age.
More Discoveries to Come
These are some of the initial discoveries made by the study of the site. It is hoped that much more will be found as further analysis is done, both in the laboratory and on site.
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