Archaeologists have unearthed a compact chamber within a Roman villa near Pompeii, shedding light on the probable usage by slaves and illuminating their marginalized status in the ancient era, as conveyed by Italy’s culture ministry on Sunday.

This room was uncovered at the Civita Giuliana villa, situated about 600 meters (2,000 feet) north of the Pompeii walls. Pompeii was obliterated by a volcanic eruption from Mount Vesuvius nearly two millennia ago.

Within the room, there were two beds, with only one featuring a mattress, the Guardian reported.

Additionally, two petite cabinets and an arrangement of urns and ceramic receptacles were discovered, housing the remains of two mice and a rat.

Excavations at the Civita Giuliana villa took place in two phases – first in 1907-1908, and then again starting from 2017 when law enforcement realized that the site was being subjected to looting by unauthorized excavators.

Archaeologists noted that a section of one of the beds had been compromised due to a tunnel carved out by looters, which provided them access to another portion of the villa.

In the year AD 79, Mount Vesuvius erupted, resulting in the demise of countless Romans who were unaware that they were dwelling beneath one of Europe’s most substantial volcanoes.

This volcanic eruption buried the city under a dense layer of ash, thereby preserving numerous inhabitants and structures.

Written by staff