BIBLE HISTORY DAILY

Ceremonial Chariot Found in Pompeii

The Processional Chariot was found well-preserved during excavations at the Pompeii archaeological park

The Destruction of the Roman city of Pompeii, buried under the ash of Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 C.E., is one of the great tragedies of ancient history. It has also been invaluable to archaeologists, providing unique insights into the daily life of the ancient Romans and others, including Jews and possibly Christians, frozen in time.

Pompeii Ceremonial Carriage

Parco Archeologico di Pompei

On February 27th, the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, announced the successful excavation of an almost intact processional chariot in the suburban villa of Civita Giuliana, north of the city. It was found in a portico across from a stable where the remains of three horses were discovered in 2018, including one still in its harness. Also found were the iron components, tin and bronze decorations, imprints of organic materials, from ropes and remains of floral decorations, and mineralized wooden remains.

Parco Archeologico di Pompei

Massimo Osanna, Director of the Archaeological Park, explains, “What we have is a ceremonial chariot, probably the Pilentum referred to by some sources, which was employed not for everyday use or for agricultural transport, but to accompany community festivities, parades, and processions. This type of chariot, which has never before emerged from Italian soil, bears comparison with finds uncovered around fifteen years ago inside a burial mound in Thrace….The scenes on the medallions which embellish the rear of the chariot refer to Eros (Satyrs and nymphs), while the numerous studs feature erotes. Considering that the ancient sources allude to the use of the Piletum by priestesses and ladies, one cannot exclude the possibility that this could have been a chariot used for rituals relating to marriage, for leading the bride to her new household.”

There are 20 hectares more to excavate in and around Pompeii. More interesting finds are likely to emerge.

Parco Archeologico di Pompei

 


Read more about Pompeii in Bible History Daily:

Pompeii Fast Food Restaurant Uncovered

A snack bar has been fully excavated, complete with food residues, vibrant images, and victims of the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 C.E.

The Destruction of Pompeii—God’s Revenge?

Did anyone connect the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 C.E. with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70?

The Survivors of Mount Vesuvius?

Scholars have long debated whether there were many survivors of the volcanic eruption in Pompeii and Herculaneum, or if—as so many skeletons seem to indicate—the residents all perished. The discussions were often held without either side presenting evidence. Thanks to his painstaking research, Steven L. Tuck provides the previously elusive evidence.

Solomon, Socrates and Aristotle

Is it possible that the earliest existing picture of a scene from the Bible also includes the philosophers Socrates and Aristotle as onlookers? It is not only possible; I (Theodore Feder) believe that is the case. The earliest depiction of a Biblical scene comes from a site that is perhaps better known to some for its erotic art than for its religious devotions: Pompeii

 

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