An exhibit at the Pompeii
Antiquarium is showcasing treasures found inside one of the most
well-known houses among the urban villas of the Insula
Occidentalis at the archaeological site, the House of the Golden
Bracelet.
The show - called "Treasures under the lapilli. Furnishings,
frescoes and jewels from the Insula Occidentalis" - opened on
Monday and runs through May 31, 2018.
The rich furnishings and parietal paintings on show belong to
the House of the Golden Bracelet, one of the richest villas from
the western district Insula Occidentalis, which has been closed
to the public for decades and cannot yet be visited as the
entire complex is under restoration.
And the golden bracelet after which the house was named
represents one of the most valuable and beautiful artworks found
in Pompeii.
The golden bracelet, one of the exhibit's highlights, was
found on the wrist of a woman fleeing the catastrophic eruption
of Mount Vesuvius that buried the Roman city in 79 AD.
The piece of jewelry, which weighs 610 grams, is
characterized by two snakes' heads holding in their mouths a
disk with the bust of Selene, the goddess of the moon.
The goddess is wearing a half moon-shaped tiara surrounded by
seven stars, her arms raised to hold a veil.
Another fugitive was carrying a box in wood and bronze with
40 gold coins and 175 silver coins, which is also part of the
exhibition.
Victims who died inside the luxury home, including two adults
and a child who sought refuge in an under-stair cupboard, are on
display as plaster casts made during excavation work.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
