Dec 8, 2023 at 5:27 PM Update: an hour ago
In the remains of a Roman house, archaeologists have discovered a room closed off from the outside world in which slaves were forced to work in the bakery. The discovered room is seen as the most shocking example of slavery in Pompeii.
In recent months, archaeologists discovered the building containing the slave cell in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. Remains of three people were also found in that section. Pompeii was buried by a thick layer of ash in 79 AD after an eruption of the volcano Vesuvius.
The bakery where the slaves worked was located in a home of Roman citizens. They shared space with donkeys. Archaeologists have discovered that slaves and donkeys had to grind the grain used in bread baking there. The donkeys did this by walking in circles for hours to power a windmill.
The part where the slaves worked was completely closed off from the outside world. It was a small space. Because the small windows were high in the wall, the slaves could not see outside. The windows were closed with iron bars. The only way to enter the bakery was through the adjacent house.
Sharp contrast with part where Roman citizens lived
The discovered house gives archaeologists more evidence about the daily lives of slaves in Roman times. “The cell reveals the most shocking aspect of Roman society,” said Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park.
The slave quarters are in stark contrast to the part of the house where the Roman citizens lived. In that section, archaeologists found remains of many beautiful murals. That shows the prosperity that the free Romans lived in.
The ruins of Pompeii are an important source for archaeologists to learn about life in the Roman Empire. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the subsequent ash rain brought life to a standstill. The ash ensured that the human remains and ruins remained largely intact. The remains of Pompeii are also a popular tourist attraction in Italy.
Image: Pompeii Archaeological Park, via Reuters
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2023-12-08 16:27:55
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