Archaeologists working at the Villa Poppaea in ancient Oplontis, near modern-day Torre Annunziata, have announced the discovery of new frescoes that shed light on the luxury and artistic taste of the Roman elite in the first century BCE. The villa was buried under meters of ash following the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, and much of the complex remains poorly studied.
Among the fragments of frescoes, archaeologists discovered a theatrical mask, which they interpret as Pappa, a character from Atellan comedy. This is a popular comedic image in ancient Rome of an elderly man vainly trying to appear youthful, thus provoking ridicule. His presence in the ceremonial interior speaks to the subtle sense of humor of the patrons and adds an element of playfulness and irony to the space.
Other symbolic images were found near the mask, including tripods enclosed in circular decorative motifs. Such elements were often used to create complex visual programs, where each symbol had cultural or religious significance.
The excavations also allowed researchers to clarify the villa’s architectural structure. Scientists have uncovered four more previously unknown rooms, bringing the total number of documented spaces to over 100. Among the new finds is an apsidal hall, which, according to preliminary data, was connected to a bath complex. This indicates a high level of comfort and a well-thought-out layout for the residence.
Using plaster casts, researchers reconstructed the imprints of tree roots in the villa’s garden. These traces indicate that the plants were planted according to a strict pattern, aligned with the southern portico. This approach emphasizes that the garden was considered part of the architectural design, not simply as a green setting.
In parallel with the excavations, the restoration of two cubiculae—private chambers located nearby—is nearly complete. One of them retains illusory architectural scenes and imitation marble, creating the effect of a spacious hall. The second cubicle is designed more subduedly: monochrome backgrounds and floral motifs were left unfinished due to the sudden eruption of Vesuvius.
