2,000-year-old Pompeii painting portrays possible ancestor of modern pizza

In fact, tomatoes and mozzarella arrived considerably late in Europe. According to experts, Europeans began incorporating tomatoes into their cuisine only a few centuries ago. It was not until the 1700s that mozzarella was first produced, a development which led to the creation of the iconic pizza in Naples during that era.

The fresco in question depicts a circular focaccia bread presented on a silver tray. The painting also includes fruits such as pomegranates and possibly dates, alongside a wine goblet. This composition suggests that the ancient Romans in Pompeii relished the focaccia accompanied by the complementary servings.

The dish was most likely seasoned with spices or a type of pesto, as indicated by the yellow and ochre specks in the painting.

The painting depicts a culture of hospitality 

As per the press release, the inspiration for this artwork was likely drawn from the Greek tradition of xenia, which focuses on the importance of hospitality. The painted silver tray was offered as a present to the guests in keeping with the Hellenistic period (III-I centuries BCE).

Moreover, such paintings might have served as decorative wall hangings in the homes of ancient Pompeii and neighboring Herculaneum. Archaeologists recovered around 300 such paintings from Vesuvian cities. It is, however, unusual to come across a high-quality fresco with a painted focaccia. 

This find depicts a contrast between a modest and simple meal, according to Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director general of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. 

“I think about the contrast between a modest and simple meal that reminds us of a sphere that stands between the pastoral and the sacred on one side, and the luxury of the silver trays and the refinement of the artistic and literary representations on the opposite side. When considering this matter, how can we not think about pizza, also born as a ‘poor’ dish in southern Italy that has now conquered the world and is served in Michelin star restaurants,” said Zuchtriegel. 

Volcanic eruption collapsed Pompeii

The fresco was recovered in a house's atrium at Insula 10, Regio IX. The ruins were partially examined between 1888 and 1891; archeologists resumed excavation operations in January.

The archaeological findings also indicate that the mansion once encompassed a spacious atrium, serving as the central hall. Its layout had a conventional design, featuring rooms situated on the eastern side and an oven positioned towards the west. Additionally, an adjacent bakery was present within its annex.

During the excavation work, the skeletal remains of three individuals were found in close proximity to the oven area.

They were most likely buried following the collapse of the wall which occurred as a result of the Mount Vesuvius' cataclysmic eruption in AD 79. The massive eruption blanketed Pompeii with vast expanses of ash. The team also found a layer of white pumice as well as a residual volcanic layer at the site.

The ruins found at this site have been a significant source of information for archaeologists since its discovery in the 16th century, with the first excavations beginning in 1748. By conducting further excavation, archaeologists could unearth remarkable artifacts that would provide insight into the cultural aspects of this ancient Roman city.