The most impressive discovery is an expansive fresco that depicts the Greek legend Helen of Troy, painted on the high walls of a large banqueting hall that was thought to be owned by a high-status politician.
One-third of the lost city is still yet to be cleared of volcanic debris, ash and pumice, but the current dig has led to the discovery of artefacts that underline Pompeii’s position as a bastion of the Roman Empire.
The banqueting room was discovered to hold several frescos, including two set-piece frescos. In the first piece, the god Apollo is seen trying to seduce the priestess Cassandra – but according to legend, her rejection of his pursuits led to her prophecies being ignored. The tragic aftermath of that rejection is depicted in the second painting, which sees Prince Paris meeting Helen – a union Cassandra knows will end in the Trojan War and doom them all.
This story is from the April 12, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 12, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Council squeezes homeless family into a one-bed flat
A mother of two has been forced to sleep with her daughter in their living room for over a year after a London council put the homeless family in a one-bed flat. S
Rishi reflects on his biggest mistakes in Downing Street
Rishi Sunak has spoken for the first time about his relatively brief and challenging time as prime minister, his record on migration, and his pledge to stop the boats”.
US tariffs will push down growth’ in blow to Reeves
Donald Trump’s plans to impose tariffs on US imports will shrink the British economy, Rachel Reeves has been warned by Britain’s top economists.
Almost half of Britons want Trump state visit cancelled
Poll shows anger at US president over stance on Ukraine
Rapist may have attacked scores of women, say police
A serial sex predator is suspected of raping more than 60 women while studying in London, as the Met Police launch an urgent appeal for victim-survivors.
Man wins 700,000 battle over mother’s deathbed will
An electrician has won a 700,000 will fight after a video emerged of his younger sister holding and propelling” their dying mother’s hand as she signed over her fortune on her deathbed.
Meet the six rookies racing to the future on the F1 grid
Last year was all about the old guard. Now Kieran Jackson savours what’s in store from a young, quick new generation
Justice secretary opposes two-tier’ sentencing plans
The justice secretary is calling for new guidance for judges to consider a defendant’s ethnicity when deciding whether to send them to prison to be reversed over concerns of two-tier sentencing”.
‘Austerity chancellor’ plans to cut billions from welfare
Rachel Reeves is planning billions of pounds of cuts to benefits and other public spending ahead of this month’s spring statement, it has emerged.
Royal Ballet breathes new life into Romeo and Juliet
Decades on, Kenneth MacMillan’s classic production still has the power to move audiences. Zoe Anderson swoons
