Rare blue shrine — dating back 2,000 years — uncovered at Pompeii, photos show

Archaeologists recently unearthed a rare shrine from the ruins of Pompeii, officials said.

The room, which is decorated with ornate paintings, was found attached to a large house in the ancient Italian city, according to a June 3 news release from the Pompeii Archaeological Park.

Measuring about 86 square feet, the space has been interpreted as a sacrarium, a place in private homes or temples where sacred objects were kept.

Its walls are painted blue, a color rarely included in the frescoes of Pompeii, officials said. It is typically only found in lavishly decorated spaces.

Painted over the blue walls are an array of detailed images, including several robed female figures interpreted as the Horae, the Greek goddesses of the seasons.

Agricultural objects — including a plow and a shepherd’s staff — are also depicted on the walls.

Images of several animals, one of which appears to be a large spotted cat, adorn the walls as well.

An assortment of objects was also recovered from the space, including 15 amphorae, which were jugs used to transport or store goods. Alfalfa was found in some of the containers.

A pile of oyster shells was found on the floor, leading archaeologists to believe their contents were used to plaster the walls.

The room’s discovery is just the latest of the more than 1,000 residential buildings unearthed from the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii.

The Roman city was destroyed in 79 A.D. when Mount Vesuvius, situated nearby, erupted, blanketing the area in a thick layer of ash.

Google Translate was used to translate a news release from the Pompeii Archaeological Park.

This story was originally published June 4, 2024 at 1:11 PM with the headline "Rare blue shrine — dating back 2,000 years — uncovered at Pompeii, photos show."