A painting revealing a possible ancient version of the Italian pizza has been unearthed by archaeologists in the ancient city of Pompeii. This 2,000-year-old fresco portrays a flatbread that may have served as a precursor to the modern-day dish.
Italy’s culture ministry stated that while it shares similarities, the depicted flatbread lacks the traditional ingredients that would technically classify it as a pizza.
The fresco was discovered in a house’s hall adjacent to a bakery as part of recent excavation efforts in the southern region of Italy.
This major find took place earlier this year during the new excavations of Regio IX, one of Pompeii’s nine districts.
Appearance of a 2000-year-old pizza fresco
In this painting, there is a depiction of a round flatbread placed on a silver platter. Alongside the bread, we can observe an arrangement of fresh and dried fruits like pomegranates and dates.
Additionally, a goblet filled with red wine is present in the scene. Researchers believe that this fresco symbolizes the act of presenting “hospitable gifts” to guests, following a Greek custom that dates back to the 3rd to 1st centuries BC.
This tradition has been described in writings by ancient Roman-era authors like Virgil and Philostratus, according to the Daily Mail.
A 2000 year old fresco has been discovered in Pompeii, which supposedly depicts the predecessor of Pizza.#archaeohistories pic.twitter.com/rTiGyoEhSt
— Archaeo – Histories (@archeohistories) June 28, 2023
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of Pompeii, commented on this newly discovered fresco, highlighting the contrast it portrays.
On the one hand, there is a representation of a modest and simple meal, which reflects a blend of rustic and sacred elements.
On the other hand, the scene also showcases the silver trays and the sophistication of artistic and literary depictions.
Moreover, Zuchtriegel expressed that it is hard to overlook the association with pizza when considering this matter.
He emphasized that pizza, which originated as a modest dish in southern Italy, has remarkably gained global popularity and is now even served in top-tier restaurants.
Three skeletons found in the atrium of a house
As part of the recent excavations, a previously unexplored atrium of a house was uncovered. This particular dwelling also featured an annex that served as a bakery, which had only been partially investigated during the late 19th century.
The experts at the archaeological park shared that during the past few weeks, the remains of three individuals were discovered in the vicinity of the oven, where the baking activities took place.
The catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius occurred in the year AD 79. This volcanic event resulted in the burial of several cities, including Pompeii, Oplontis, and Stabiae, under layers of ash and rock fragments.
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