Archaeologists are exploring a house that was buried by volcanic ash in Pompeii almost 2000 years ago. They found an amazing collection of gems and other wonderful items that probably belonged to women.

The beautiful house of the Hercules Garden was dug in 1953 and was long considered one of the most beautiful places in Pompeii. It boasts courtyards full of bushes and flowers. The entrance leads to the courtyard, which allows access to a large garden with irrigation channels. Flowers (roses, violets, lilies ..) can be grown in this garden.

Pompeii - House and garden

Ancient sources explain how these flowers were used to make ointments. These were stored and sold in small terracotta and glass containers, which were present in large quantities. The house was also used as a shop for the production and sale of perfumes.

Statuette of Hercules

The house owes its name to the marble statuette of Hercules, located in a small aedicule in the eastern part of the garden. The house dates back to 3. century BC. He probably belonged to a wealthy Roman family, but in 79 AD Vesuvius erupted and buried the house and the rest of Pompeii in volcanic ash. The remnants of the house and people died under the ashes.

Excavations

The excavations in this place have been going on for decades, and one would think that he would not dig up or find anything new. Until scientists discover a dilapidated box containing items that were probably assembled by maids or slaves, whom history often forgets.

Gems and small items were used for decoration or to protect them from bad luck. They were found in one of the rooms of the Garden House. These are probably objects that the occupants of the house missed or could not carry before the fateful volcanic ash swept away. The wood of the box was unfolded, leaving only bronze hinges well preserved under volcanic material.

Found items

Objects found include two mirrors, pieces of necklace, decorative elements made of bronze, bone and amber, amulets, a human figure and other various gems (including Amethyst with a female figure). The head of Dionysus is engraved in the glass. The high quality of amber and glass materials as well as the engraving of the numbers confirm the importance of the owner.

These jewelry will soon be on display at Palestra Grande. They are the object of everyday life in the women's world and are extraordinary because they tell the micro stories, the biographies of the townspeople who tried to escape the eruption. 10 victims, including women and children, were found in the same house. Based on DNA, we are now trying to find relationships.

The box was probably one of the victims. Interestingly, many of the amulets should bring happiness, fertility and protect from bad luck.

The sad reality is that while we know a lot about Pompeii and the natural disaster, we know little about the people who lived in the house until the last moments. Victims found in the house do not have names, but due to findings it will be worthwhile to meet them.