Extraordinary discovery in Pompeii: remains of a horse found for the first time

For the first time, the intact remains of a horse have been found in the excavations of Pompeii. Found during a campaign against clandestine excavations, the equine was in the remains of a stable located in the Civita Giuliana area, 700 meters north of the archaeological site’s walls.

The stable is adjacent to a suburban villa where amphorae, kitchen utensils, part of a wooden bed of which it was possible to make a cast, and even a tomb from the post 79 A.D. period that held the skeleton of the deceased were also found.
The horse was found lying on the ground on its left side and looking to the right, and judging from the well- ossified skeleton, it is thought to be an adult specimen. What is not entirely certain, however, is the species to which it belongs: initial analyses of its morphology, proportions, and height at withers would seem to support the hypothesis that the equine in question is indeed a horse (Equus caballus).

In addition, the height at withers of the horse measures 150 centimeters, quite considerable since horses at the time had small measurements compared to those of today, which would suggest the existence of highly selected individuals in the Pompeii area in AD 79.

The animal has iron harnesses on the edges of its skull with small bronze studs that would suggest that it belonged to a “noble” category, as described by Columella in De Re Rustica: “There was a nobler breed, which offered horses for circus games and competitions.”

The discovery was presented by the director general of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, Massimo Osanna. Dario Franceschini, minister of Cultural Heritage, commented on the discovery, "An exceptional find that is making the rounds around the world. An operation that has seen the teamwork of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, the Torre Annunziata Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the Carabinieri TPC Command, which confirms the strength of the Italian system in combating the illicit trafficking of works of art."

Extraordinary discovery in Pompeii: remains of a horse found for the first time

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