Archaeologists continue to unearth extraordinary structures in the area where the once-bustling city of Pompeii was buried in a deadly volcanic eruption in 79 AD.
On Saturday, archaeologists unveiled their latest find: a well-preserved "snack bar" that served up the ancient equivalent of a modern-day fast-food to Roman locals.
Popularly referred to as a termopolium, which is Latin for hot drinks counter, the shop was discovered in the archaeological park's Regio V site, which is not yet open to the public.
From out of the ruins emerged stuff like an image of a Nereid riding a seahorse and a fresco of warriors in combat. Archaeologists also found colorful still-life depictions, including those of animals that were likely sold in the shop, like roosters and ducks.
Traces of beef, fish, pork, and snails were found in some of the deep terra cotta jars, which archaeologist Valeria Amoretti said indicated "the great array of products of animal origin used in the preparation of the dishes."
"The materials discovered have indeed been excavated and examined from all points of view by an interdisciplinary team composed of professionals in the fields of physical anthropology, archaeology, archaeobotany, archaeozoology, geology and vulcanology," Reuters quoted Pompeii Archaeological Park director Massimo Osanna as saying.
Archaeologists also discovered a bronze drinking receptacle and cooking materials. They also found a depiction of a dog on a leash, which appeared to serve as a warning, including a skeleton of a dog between the shop's doors.
Human remains were also discovered, including the bones of a small dog, which archaeologists believe was proof of selective breeding for size.
The city of Pompeii was home to roughly 13,000 people when it was buried under tons of ash, pumice pebbles, and dust as the city endured the force of an eruption equivalent to several nuclear bombs.
The materials will be further studied in the laboratory. In particular, those remains discovered in the terra cotta jars are expected to produce exceptional information to understand what was sold and what the people's diet was like during ancient times.
According to Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, the site will be opened for public viewing in the near future. It will be an "Easter present" for visitors, he said.
The ruins were not uncovered until the 16th century, and organized diggings started about 1750. Pompeii is among Italy's most popular tourist destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
