A 'new' Villa of the Mysteries which
has emerged from the excavations at the Pompeii archaeological
site provides an insight into an extraordinary world, Culture
Minister Alessandro Giuli said on Wednesday, praising the
director of the archaeological park Gabriel Zuchtriegel as "a
star player surrounded by star players".
The newly found residence has a large banquet hall frescoed with
a cycle of paintings depicting initiation into the Dionysian
Mysteries.
The site's well-preserved, world famous Villa of the Mysteries
takes its name from a depiction of the same initiation of a
bride into a Greco-Roman mystery cult.
Excavated in recent weeks in the central area of Pompeii, the
new room shows this frieze at almost life size, or a
'megalography', just as in the Villa of the Mysteries, which was
discovered over 100 years ago.
The large fresco sheds new light on the Dionysian Mysteries in
the classical world.
Archaeologists have christened the dwelling with the frieze
'House of Thiasus', referring to the retinue of Dionysus, the
God of wine-making.
"Beauty and knowledge once again win above all and the light of
civilization" can be seen in "these frescoes, these
extraordinary places and can still brighten our lives and
consciences", said Giuli during his visit to Pompeii on
Wednesday.
The minister highlighted how the discovery has provided an
insight into a stunning new world.
"It is an historical moment, a moment in which Pompeii reveals
itself to us in its mysterious greatness, because this cycle of
frescoes" represents "something unique of which there are few
traces among archaeological testimonies that aren't simply
literary sources, so it truly represents an opening into an
extraordinary world", he said.
Giuli also recalled that Pompeii in 2023 attracted over 4
million and 87,000 visitors which grew to 4 million and 177,000
last year.
He also noted that ongoing excavation sites will be accessible
to the public, highlighting the importance of "sharing" the
archaeological research work with the public, encouraging its
participation.
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