Archaeologists excavating Pompeii uncovered a surprising find: a banquet hall adorned with paintings inspired by the Trojan War.

The discovery, announced earlier this week, was made during a project aimed at preserving Pompeii’s ruins.

Pompeii, famously buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79, has fascinated archaeologists and tourists alike since its rediscovery in the 18th century.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Pompeii continues to reveal its secrets.

The newly discovered banquet hall, likely used for elegant gatherings, features smoke-concealing black walls and measures 45 feet long by 18 feet wide, Fox News has reported.

Paintings depicting figures like Helen of Troy adorn the walls, suggesting they served both as entertainment and conversation pieces.

This discovery marks a shift in focus from the elaborate villas of Pompeii’s elite to the living quarters of its middle-class residents and servants.

The excavation, part of efforts to adapt Pompeii to climate change, highlights ongoing efforts to uncover the city’s rich history.

Written by B.C. Begley