Archaeologists discover a well-preserved ancient “cafeteria” in the ruins of Pompeii

The city of Pompeii was buried under a devastating volcanic eruption in 79 AD, but archaeologists are still discovering extraordinary structures in the region. On Saturday, they revealed their latest discovery – an extremely well-preserved former “cafeteria”.

The Regio V Thermopolium would be a store selling hot food, the equivalent of a modern street cart or fast-food establishment, officials said. It was partially excavated in 2019 and revealed in full on Saturday.

In the ruins were found items such as the image of a Nereid riding a seahorse and a fresco of gladiators in combat. During the most recent phase of the excavations, archaeologists discovered other colorful still life scenes, including depictions of animals that were probably sold in the store, such as mallards and a rooster.

There was also the representation of a dog on a leash, which seemed to serve as an alert, as well as a complete dog skeleton between the store doors.

“A mocking inscription can be found crossed out on the frame that surrounds the painting of the dog: NICIA CINAEDE CACATOR – literally ‘Nicias (probably a freedman from Greece) Shameless Sh *****!’, the authorities said. “This was probably left by a prankster who wanted to make fun of the owner, or by someone who worked at the Thermopolium.”

Archaeologists also found containers, which contained fragments of the bones of nearly 2,000-year-old animals that were sold there, stored at the store’s counter. In the containers, traces of pork, fish, snails and beef were found, which archaeologist Valeria Amoretti said indicated “the great variety of animal products used in the preparation of the dishes”.

In the small square in front of the store there was a fountain and a water tower. Inside the store were nine amphorae, a bronze bowl called patera, two flasks and other ceramic pots.

Human bones were also found at the site, some belonging to a 50-year-old man who appeared to be in bed when the rash occurred.

“In addition to being more of a view of Pompeii’s daily life, the possibilities for studying this Termopoly are exceptional, since for the first time such an area has been excavated in its entirety and it was possible to carry out all the analyzes that current technology allows”, said Massimo Osanna, from Pompeii Archaeological Park. “The findings will be analyzed later in the laboratory and, in particular, the remains found in the dolia (terracotta containers) on the counter are expected to provide exceptional data to inform an understanding of what was sold and what the diet was like. “

According to authorities, Thermopolia, where residents enjoyed hot drinks and food, were very common in ancient Rome, when people generally consumed food outside the home. Pompeii alone had 80 of them.