ROME (AP) — Archaeologists excavating new sites in Pompeii have uncovered a sumptuous banquet hall decorated with intricately frescoed mythological characters inspired by the Trojan War, officials said Thursday.
The hall, which features a mosaic floor, was uncovered as part of a project to shore up the areas dividing the excavated and unexcavated parts of Pompeii, the ancient city near Naples that was destroyed in A.D. 79 when Mount Vesuvius erupted.
The banquet hall was used for refined entertaining and features black walls, a technique that prevented the smoke from oil lamps from being seen, said Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Pompeii archaeological park.
The figures painted against that black backdrop include Helen of Troy and Apollo. Experts said the reference to mythological figures was designed to entertain guests and provide conversation starters.
Cruise worker 'murders newborn son on board ship': Shocked co
Sweden beats France, Britain relegated after losing to Norway at hockey worlds
Minnesota Uber and Lyft driver pay package beats deadline to win approval in Legislature
Socialite Jasmine Hartin enjoys beach snuggle with electrician hunk
Amtrak train hits pickup truck in upstate New York, 3 dead including child
Young Boys seals 6th Swiss soccer league title in 7 years after rallying from firing coach Wicky
French sports minister calls for sanctions after Monaco player tapes over anti
Biden says Brown v. Board of Education ruling was about more than education
Student fatally shot, suspect detained at Georgia's Kennesaw State University
Independent UN experts urge Yemen’s Houthis to free detained Baha'i followers
Kristin Cavallari, 37, ignores critics of her age
'The Apprentice,' about a young Donald Trump, premieres in Cannes