A team of researchers has uncovered a significant architectural feature in Pompeii: an ancient Roman stairway that may lead to a deeper understanding of the city’s structure and life before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. This discovery is part of a broader initiative employing digital archaeology techniques to explore the “lost Pompeii,” a city buried under volcanic ash for nearly two millennia.
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius resulted in the immediate destruction of Pompeii, covering the city in approximately five meters of rock, ash, and debris. As a result, many buildings and artifacts have been preserved in a state that has intrigued archaeologists since excavations began in 1748. While many aspects of the city have been revealed, questions remain about the daily lives of its inhabitants and the architectural landscape they inhabited.
Dr. Susanne Muth, a co-lead author of the study and a professor at Humboldt University, emphasized the importance of reconstructing lost architecture to gain a clearer picture of Pompeii’s past. “By reconstructing the lost architecture, we gain a more nuanced and historically accurate understanding of the ancient city and life within it,” she stated. This sentiment is echoed by Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, who noted that the ongoing use of advanced technologies is reshaping perceptions of the ancient skyline.
Advanced Techniques Illuminate Pompeii’s Past
The project employs a combination of remote sensing technology, close-range photography, and traditional archaeological methods. LiDAR (light detection and ranging) scans provide detailed images of remaining structures, while digital reconstructions utilize these scans to visualize how buildings might have appeared prior to the eruption.
The researchers focus on previously overlooked upper floors of buildings, such as the recently excavated Casa del Tiaso, or the House of the Thiasos. Here, they found a monumental stone staircase leading to a second floor and evidence suggesting that a wooden staircase may have existed above that. “When we began to reconstruct this room in terms of its lost architecture, it became clear to us that it could only be a tower,” Muth explained.
This discovery is particularly significant as it challenges long-held assumptions about the architectural styles of wealthy residences in Pompeii. Historically, towers were associated with country villas rather than urban homes. Yet, the findings in the Casa del Tiaso suggest that such structures may have been part of city living, offering a way for affluent families to showcase their status.
Revisiting the Social Fabric of Pompeii
As excavations progress, researchers are also uncovering how the city’s inhabitants adapted after the eruption. Some residents returned to the area within decades, establishing new lives amidst the ruins. Zuchtriegel noted that, “The volcanic debris and ash covering Pompeii after the eruption reached approximately five meters in height,” underscoring the challenges faced by those who returned.
The Casa del Tiaso, believed to belong to an influential family, features lavish banquet rooms and private thermal baths. The design of these homes, including the potential for towers, reflects the cultural and social dynamics of Pompeii. Roman literature, including texts by Pliny the Younger, describes such towers in rural settings as venues for enjoying the surrounding landscape.
Despite the absence of towering structures in urban Pompeii, Muth argues that the newly found evidence points to a different architectural narrative. “The unique findings in the Casa del Tiaso now lead us to believe that such towers also existed in cities,” she stated, suggesting that they served both practical and symbolic purposes.
As the Pompeii Reset project continues its work, the team remains committed to using digital archaeology not just to reconstruct buildings, but to reveal the broader social implications of architectural choices. “Digital archaeology is much more than simply creating fanciful reconstructions of ancient buildings,” Zuchtriegel stated. “It’s a way of thinking through these structures and how they really worked and were used.”
The integration of these advanced techniques promises to change how we visualize and understand Pompeii, offering new insights into the lives of its citizens and the structures that defined their environment. With over 13,000 rooms excavated since 1748 and a significant portion of the ancient city still buried, the potential for discovery remains vast. The ongoing work aims to preserve Pompeii’s heritage while providing critical knowledge for future generations.
