Archaeologists conducting excavations in Regio IX at Pompeii have unearthed a remarkably well-preserved Roman construction site.
This significant find sheds light on the sophisticated methods utilized by Roman builders, reminiscent of those employed in iconic structures like the Colosseum and the Pantheon.
The excavation has revealed a bustling construction site frozen in time by the volcanic ash and debris that engulfed the city nearly two millennia ago. Among the artifacts unearthed are a plethora of tools, stacked roof tiles, tuff bricks, and heaps of lime and stones, providing archaeologists with a detailed snapshot of the construction process at the moment of the eruption.
The excavation area, bounded by Via di Nola to the north, Via Stabiana to the west, and Via dell’Abbondanza to the south, is believed to have been active until the fateful eruption that buried Pompeii under layers of volcanic ash and pumice.
Key findings at the site indicate a bustling construction activity, evident in the presence of materials for renovation piled up in various locations. Notably, the house with the Rustio Vero bakery reveals evidence of ongoing renovation work, with materials stacked both on the ground and on a doorjamb. Adjacent buildings also show signs of construction, with tools found in multiple rooms.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, emphasized the significance of the ongoing excavations, stating, “Excavations underway in Pompeii offer the possibility of observing almost directly how an ancient construction site functioned.”
Of particular significance is the revelation of a novel cement-making process employed by the Romans, as highlighted by collaboration with researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This innovative technique, termed “hot mixing,” involved combining quicklime with dry pozzolana and hydrating it shortly before erecting walls. This departure from the traditional method of slaking quicklime in water expedited the construction process, as the mixture’s thermal reaction resulted in rapid drying, significantly reducing building time. The discovery offered new perspectives on Roman engineering and architecture.
Furthermore, the excavation has unveiled intriguing details about the daily workings of the ancient construction site. Roman numerals, likely tallies of the construction site’s accounts, were discovered inscribed in charcoal, providing a glimpse into the administrative aspects of Roman building projects.
Additionally, various tools, including lead weights for ensuring vertical walls and iron hoes for mortar preparation, offer further insights into the laborious yet precise craftsmanship characteristic of Roman construction.
The discovery underscores Pompeii’s status as a “treasure chest” of invaluable historical knowledge, according to Gennaro Sangiuliano, Minister of Culture. Sangiuliano’s sentiments are echoed by Massimo Osanna, Director General for Museums, who emphasizes Pompeii’s ongoing relevance as a site of interdisciplinary research and continuous discovery.
The Pompeii Archaeological Park has been a focal point of extensive archaeological activity in recent years, aimed at preserving the site’s heritage and combating years of decay and neglect.
