Pompeii beyond the walls. Finds and frescoes from the villas of Terzigno on display at MATT

At the MATT (Territorial Archaeological Museum of Terzigno), the former municipal slaughterhouse, the exhibition Pompeii beyond the walls - The villas of Terzigno in the shadow of Vesuvius, which displays archaeological finds from the Roman-era villas buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD and discovered in the area of the Ranieri quarry in Terzigno, has been set up. An exhibition that stems from the desire to enhance the archaeological heritage and has seen the participation of the Municipal Administration of Terzigno and the Vesuvius National Park and the direction of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii.

On display are various finds of clay pottery, various types of amphorae, antefixes and agricultural tools for cultivating the land attached to the villas. From Villa 1, excavated between 1981 and 1983, comes the antefix with a female figure. Like most Roman villas it served mainly as a farm, but it also had a manor quarter for the owners’ otium. The part brought to light is mainly related to the rustic one for wine production. From Villa 2 excavated from 1984 to 1992 come finds of terracotta pottery and agricultural tools. The heart of the building consists of the courtyard, the wine press room and the wine cellar. Here there are traces of old restorations: in 79 AD the villa was already a couple of centuries old and was affected by the earthquakes that were precursors to the eruption. The other rooms around the court were used for peasant life and other agricultural production.

Particularly significant are the numerous frescoes from various rooms of Villa 6, which refer to the paintings of the II style, depicting architectural perspectives and elements related to the Dionysian world. One can also admire the painting of the Lararium found in the kitchen room with the depiction of the two Lares and the sacrificing Genius and two serpents approaching an offering plate. Villa 6 was excavated during several excavation campaigns from 1993 to 2011 and is now re-interred.

The exhibition, which is co-financed by the Vesuvius National Park Authority, will allow people to rediscover the beauty of the sites and works, as well as acquaint them with significant aspects of life in Roman times in the country villas found on the outskirts of the ancient City of Pompeii and the inhabitants’ relationship with Vesuvius.

Pompeii beyond the walls. Finds and frescoes from the villas of Terzigno on display at MATT

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