Archaeologists unearth well-preserved ancient “snack bar” in the ruins of Pompeii

The city of Pompeii was buried in a devastating volcanic eruption in 79 AD, but archaeologists are still discovering extraordinary structures in the region. On Saturday they unveiled their latest discovery – an extremely well-preserved old “snack bar”.

The Regio V Thermopolium would have been a store selling hot food, the equivalent of a modern street cart or fast-food restaurant, officials said. It was partially excavated in 2019 and unveiled in its entirety on Saturday.

In the ruins, objects have been found such as an image of a Nereid riding a sea horse and a fresco of gladiators in battle. During the most recent phase of excavations, archaeologists discovered even more colorful still life scenes, including depictions of animals that were likely sold in the store, such as mallard ducks and a rooster.

There was also a picture of a dog on a leash that appeared to act as a warning, as well as a complete skeleton of a dog between the doors of the store.

A mocking inscription is scratched on the frame surrounding the dog painting: NICIA CINAEDE CACATOR – literally ‘Nicias (probably a freedman from Greece) Shameless Sh *****!’, officials said. “This was probably left by a prankster trying to fool the owner, or someone who worked at the Thermopolium.”

Archaeologists also found containers of nearly 2,000-year-old animal bone fragments sold there stored in the store’s counter. Traces of pork, fish, snails and beef were found in the containers, which, according to archaeologist Valeria Amoretti, indicated “the wide variety of products of animal origin used in the preparation of the dishes.”

Found in the small square in front of the shop was a fountain and a water tower. Inside the shop itself were nine amphorae, a bronze drinking bowl called patera, two flasks and other ceramic pots.

Human bones were also found at the site, some belonging to a 50-year-old man who appeared to have been in bed when the eruption occurred.

“Apart from being another insight into everyday life in Pompeii, the study possibilities of this thermopolium are exceptional, because for the first time an area of ​​this type has been excavated in its entirety and it was possible to analyze all that today’s technology permits, “said Massimo Osanna of Pompeii Archaeological Park.” The finds will be further analyzed in the laboratory, and in particular the remains found in the counter’s dolia (terracotta containers) are expected to provide exceptional data to establish a get a good understanding of what was being sold and what the diet was like. “

According to officials, Thermopolia, where residents enjoyed drinks and hot food, was very common in ancient Rome, when people usually ate food out of doors. Pompeii alone had 80.