Archaeologists have announced the discovery of evidence of “witches” from the Roman era while studying the ruins of the city of Pompeii.
A large collection of items believed to belong to witches. (Photo: BBC)
In an area covering over 21 hectares of the Pompeii archaeological park (Italy) known as Regio V, archaeologists have unearthed a significant collection of diverse items believed to be part of a “witch’s treasure”, including various pieces of jewelry and amulets.
The objects were found in a room of a house called Casa del Giardino. The director of the Pompeii archaeological park, Massimo Osanna, stated: “The items were likely placed in a wooden box, as archaeologists found ‘the remnants’ of a box that had been completely destroyed, with only a part of a bronze hinge remaining, preserved by volcanic ash over the centuries.”
A piece of glass believed to be engraved with the image of the god Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and madness in Roman mythology. (Photo: Parco Archeologico di Pompei).
However, the “witch’s treasure” was found in relatively good condition, consisting of many round gemstones, rings, doll-shaped necklaces, two mirrors, and oddly-shaped items made of crystal, ceramics, quartz, and amber. Inside the box were also some bone fragments, a medieval beetle-shaped amulet, and a necklace featuring a bead engraved with the head of Dionysus – the Greek god of wine, fertility, and frenzy.
According to the archaeologists, the quality of the amber and glass fragments discovered confirms that Casa del Giardino was the residence of an individual of high status. However, Massimo Osanna suggested that the absence of gold (a metal highly favored by the wealthy during Pompeii’s time) indicates that the treasure may not have belonged to high-ranking individuals but rather to a servant or slave in the household.
Items that do not resemble decorative objects. They were likely used in rituals. (Photo: Parco Archeologico di Pompei).
He also noted: “The items do not resemble decorative objects. They were likely used in rituals to ward off misfortune as well as in ceremonies to pray for children, hoping for good omens for pregnancy and childbirth.”
In the room where the “witch’s treasure” was found, archaeologists also discovered the remains of 10 victims, including women and children, enveloped in volcanic ash. Massimo Osanna stated: “Perhaps the valuable box belonged to one of these victims. DNA analysis of these remains will be conducted to determine the relationships between these individuals. At the same time, experts will also study the symbols and markings on the artifacts found to better understand their meanings and functions.”
Items found in the “witch’s treasure.” (Photo: BBC).
To add a bit more about the ancient city of Pompeii, it was a wealthy and bustling city-state during the height of the Roman Empire, located in western Italy, at the foot of Mount Vesuvius. The wealthy merchant aristocracy of the time often flocked here for pleasure, which is why Pompeii has historically been dubbed the “Capital of Indulgence.”
Unfortunately, it was buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. However, most of the victims died from gas and ash from the volcanic eruption rather than from lava.
