Photo credit: phys.org
Visitors exploring Pompeii, the renowned ancient Roman site buried under volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, often overlook the area beyond its walls. However, the attractions within this remarkably preserved town—from vibrant wall murals depicting legendary tales like that of Helen of Troy to the grand amphitheater and elaborately decorated baths—are merely part of the rich tapestry of Roman life.
Yet, just outside the city gates lies a different but equally significant realm. For the ancient Romans, the thoroughfares leading to and from cities were essential not only for travel but also as poignant reminders of life and death. These pathways were lined with tombs—some simply inscribed with heartfelt remembrances, while others were more elaborate, featuring spaces for loved ones to gather in memory of those who had passed.
Remarkably, some tombs engage the living directly, as if the deceased were imparting wisdom to guide future generations. One notable example from Pompeii is the tomb of Publius Vesonius Phileros, which opens with a polite invitation: “Stranger, wait a while if it’s no trouble, and learn what not to do.”
Entering and exiting Pompeii served as a reflection on both the ways of the living and the deceased, as well as an opportunity to honor those who came before. This is particularly relevant in light of a recently unearthed monumental tomb, graced by life-size statues of a man and a woman just outside the eastern gates. This discovery is not only captivating but also a compelling prompt to remember the individuals who once thrived in this lively Italian town.
The tomb features a significant wall adorned with niches intended to hold cremated remains, topped by the incredible relief sculptures of the male and female figures. Standing side by side, but not in contact, the figures present a striking visual narrative. The woman is slightly taller at 1.77 meters, dressed in a traditional tunic, cloak, and veil—symbols of Roman femininity—and adorned with a crescent-shaped pendant known as a lunula, symbolizing fertility and the moon’s cycles. In contrast, the man dons the classic toga, a clear marker of his status as a Roman citizen.
Identifying the Figures
In archaeological traditions, when a man and a woman are depicted together in tombs, the assumption is often that they are husband and wife. However, this particular tomb offers clues suggesting a deeper narrative. The woman holds a laurel branch in her right hand, an item typically associated with priestesses who used it to waft incense during sacred ceremonies.
The presence of a priestess in ancient Rome signifies a unique position of influence for women. There is speculation that this woman may have served as a priestess of Ceres, the Roman equivalent of the goddess Demeter. Her presence alongside the man emphasizes her own stature within Pompeii’s society, challenging traditional gender roles. She could be his mother or even hold a higher social standing than him, as suggested by her taller stature. Without an inscription to clarify their relationship, the interpretation remains open.
This dynamic is not an isolated case within Pompeii. In my recent publication, “Mythica,” I explore the roles of women in Bronze Age Greece, where new archaeological findings continuously reshape our understanding of women’s societal contributions.
One compelling case involves a royal burial in Late Bronze Age Mycenae, where both a woman and a man were interred together, centuries before Pompeii’s destruction. Initially labeled as a married couple, DNA analysis conducted in 2008 revealed that they were siblings, indicating that her presence in the royal family was by birth, not by marriage—thus affirming her own legacy.
The discoveries from both Mycenae and Pompeii underscore that a woman’s significance in the past was not limited to her role as a wife. These ancient stories invite us to reevaluate historical narratives about gender and status.
As we contemplate the past, it seems prudent to heed the words of Publius and reflect on the lessons buried within these tombs.
Source
phys.org