An exquisite funerary relief depicting a man and a woman has been discovered at the Porta Sarno necropolis in Pompeii. Carved from separate stones yet joined seamlessly, the relief intricately details the woman's jewelry, identifying her as a priestess. The male figure signifies Roman citizenship through his toga. The necropolis, one of Pompeii's oldest, hosts various burial types, previously identified in the 1998 excavation. Recent efforts in 2024 under the Investigating the Archaeology of Death project aim to thoroughly examine the site and its historical significance, revealing insights into ancient funerary customs and social structures.
The funerary reliefs were carved on separate ashlars but appear as if they were crafted from the same stone, demonstrating incredible artistry from ancient Rome.
Excavations at the Porta Sarno necropolis revealed a detailed view of social roles, as the woman was identified as a priestess, showcasing ancient gender norms.
Archaeologists returned in 2024 to investigate the site further, aiming to uncover the reasons behind the necropolis's abandonment before the eruption of Vesuvius.
The finding of bone fragments alongside the reliefs suggests this funerary area served practical purposes for cremation burial, linking the living with the deceased.
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