The recent excavation of a thermopolium at Pompeii has revealed new insights into the daily life and culture of the ancient city. A thermopolium was essentially an ancient Roman fast food restaurant, where customers could purchase food and drink from a counter. This particular thermopolium (one of likely over 100!) was discovered in 2019, but excavation work has continued, revealing new details about the business and its customers.
The thermopolium is located in the Regio V section of Pompeii, which was only recently opened to the public after decades of restoration work. The area was buried by volcanic ash and pumice in 79 AD, when Mount Vesuvius erupted, preserving much of the city's architecture and artifacts.
The excavation has uncovered several frescoes that depict the types of food and drink that were sold at the thermopolium. The frescoes show various animals, including chickens, ducks, and pigs, as well as a variety of fish and seafood. There are also depictions of fruits, nuts, and wine jugs, suggesting that the thermopolium offered a wide range of options to its customers.
One of the most exciting discoveries was a decorated lararium, or household shrine, which was located in a small room adjacent to the counter. The lararium would have been used to worship the household gods and to ask for their protection. This finding is significant because it suggests that the owners of the thermopolium may have been wealthier than previously thought.
Another interesting feature of the thermopolium is the presence of serving holes, which would have allowed customers to access the food and drink on offer. These holes were covered with a type of volcanic rock that would have helped to keep the food warm. Food discovered by archaeozoologists (amazing job title, right!?) in one amphora was a stew consisting of fish, sheep, and snails! Also discovered was evidence of wine lightened in color with fava bean powder.
The excavation has also revealed evidence of the people who frequented the thermopolium. The remains of a dog were found in the same room as the lararium, suggesting that the owners may have had a pet. Additionally, the bones of a man and a woman were discovered nearby, leading to speculation that they may have been customers or employees of the thermopolium.
The ongoing excavation work at Pompeii continues to reveal new insights into the daily life and culture of the ancient city. The discovery of this thermopolium has shed light on the types of food and drink that were available to ordinary people, as well as the religious practices of the city's inhabitants. As excavation work continues, it is likely that further discoveries will be made, offering a glimpse into the fascinating world of ancient Rome.
Images of the wonderful and vivid frescoes can be seen at Atlas Obscura.