Archaeologists in Italy discovered 13 nativity-like terracotta figurines during excavations at the ancient site of Pompeii, reports ANSA news agency. Agerpres.
Although the Christmas scene was apparently not a tradition in the pagan Roman city at the time, experts believe that the figurines were positioned in a way that suggests they were part of an ancient ritual.
I talked about it a few days ago: now in Pompeii archaeologists have found an ancient pagan “manger” (a Catholic Christmas diorama with small statues). This tradition, later Christianized, was very popular among ancient Roman pagans in the rites of their ancestors pic.twitter.com/XhnEqF8R6t
— Ligures Ambrones (@liguresambrones) December 22, 2023
The objects were found in a room of the house near the house with the Leda and the Swan fresco, where excavations and restoration work are ongoing.
The 13 terracotta figurines, remnants of an ancient ritual, emerge from the domus room adjacent to the House of Leda and the Swan, where excavation and conservation are currently underway, along with a program to improve accessibility and understanding of the site. pic.twitter.com/D4C9L8ndrv
— Pompeii Sites (@pompeii_sites) December 22, 2023
Small sculptures are about 15 centimeters high. They include human figurines and were found upright on a horizontal plane, probably on a shelf. Among them are also a clay rooster head, a glass cone, an almond and a walnut.
The room where the figurines were located, probably the atrium of the house, also had decorations that were discovered on the walls.
Source: Hot News
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