Archaeologists discover fresco depicting Phrixus and Helle in Pompeii

Archaeologists working at the ancient Roman city of Pompeii have unearthed a fresco depicting the Greek mythological siblings Phrixus and Helle.

Archaeologists discover fresco depicting Phrixus and Helle in PompeiiThe fresco depicting Phrixus and Helle, the Greek mythological siblings. Courtesy of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii

This vivid portrayal, still vibrant after more than 2,000 years, was found during restoration work around the mansion of the House of Leda. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of Pompeii Archaeological Park, hailed the find as a poignant reflection of history, noting, “History has repeated itself.”

The fresco portrays Phrixus and Helle as they flee their stepmother Ino on the back of a magical ram with the Golden Fleece. Phrixus is shown riding the ram while Helle falls into the water, symbolizing the tragic outcome of their escape.

Zuchtriegel describes Phrixus and Helle as “two refugees at sea, a brother and sister, forced to flee because their stepmother wants rid of them and she does so with deception and corruption.” He highlighted the parallel between their story and contemporary issues, underscoring how the themes resonate across time and cultures.

Archaeologists discover fresco depicting Phrixus and Helle in PompeiiIn the fresco, Helle is depicted on the verge of drowning. Courtesy of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii

The fresco was painted as if it were a framed picture, hanging on a yellow wall, adding to its visual impact. Alongside this mythological scene, other frescoes depicting still life images and portraits of women have also been uncovered.

Excavations at the House of Leda, where the fresco was found, have been ongoing since the 18th century but were relaunched in 2018 with the aim of reconstructing a complete plan of the site. These efforts will not only preserve these historical treasures but also make them accessible to the public.

The city, famously destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in CE 79, has become one of the world’s most visited archaeological sites, attracting nearly four million visitors annually. In 2013, UNESCO threatened to include Pompeii on its list of world heritage sites in peril, prompting Italian authorities to enhance preservation efforts.

Recent months have seen other notable discoveries in Pompeii, including thirteen Nativity-style statuettes, and a striking still-life fresco reminiscent of a pizza, complete with what appears to be a pineapple.

Related Posts

4,500-year-old dog tooth–adorned bags unearthed in Germany reveal burial practices of Neolithic elites

4,500-year-old dog tooth–adorned bags unearthed in Germany reveal burial practices of Neolithic elites

Archaeological excavations near the German village of Krauschwitz in the state of Saxony-Anhalt have uncovered a remarkable glimpse into ancient life: beautifully decorated bags, which were likely…

Mad emperor Caligula had surprising medical knowledge, new research reveals from ancient Roman texts

Mad emperor Caligula had surprising medical knowledge, new research reveals from ancient Roman texts

Emperor Caligula is best known for his cruelty and eccentricities—the Roman emperor who allegedly promoted his horse to consul and murdered on a whim. But a new…

11,000-year-old feast in Iran’s Zagros Mountains reveals long-distance animal transport and early Neolithic social rituals

11,000-year-old feast in Iran’s Zagros Mountains reveals long-distance animal transport and early Neolithic social rituals

Archaeologists have uncovered new evidence that ancient human communities in western Iran, over 11,000 years ago, were engaging in grand feasting rituals with wild animals transported from…

1,600-year-old tomb of Caracol’s founding king Te K’ab Chaak unearthed in Belize jungle

1,600-year-old tomb of Caracol’s founding king Te K’ab Chaak unearthed in Belize jungle

Archaeologists from the University of Houston have discovered the royal tomb of Te K’ab Chaak, the first ruler and founder of the powerful Maya city of Caracol,…

UNESCO adds Iran’s Khorramabad Valley to World Heritage List, highlighting 60,000 years of human history

UNESCO adds Iran’s Khorramabad Valley to World Heritage List, highlighting 60,000 years of human history

In a historic event for archaeology and Iranian heritage, the Prehistoric Sites of the Khorramabad Valley were officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the…

5,500-year-old ‘Polish pyramids’ discovered in western Poland reveal Neolithic engineering

5,500-year-old ‘Polish pyramids’ discovered in western Poland reveal Neolithic engineering

Polish archaeologists have found two megalithic tombs over 5,500 years old that teach us more about the burial practices and engineering abilities of one of Europe’s earliest…