Pompeii's Hidden Secrets: Love, Art, and Life in Ancient Walls

Pompeii, the city frozen in time by Mount Vesuvius' eruption in AD 79, continues to surprise us. Recently, advanced imaging technology has uncovered nearly 80 new inscriptions on a wall in Pompeii. These aren't just random scribbles; they're love notes, sketches, and even insults from everyday people.

The Wall of Secrets

The wall in question is part of a long corridor connecting Pompeii's theaters to the bustling Via Stabiana. This corridor was first discovered over 230 years ago. Yet, with new technology, researchers found hidden messages that were invisible before.

The Technology Behind the Discovery

The tech used is called Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI). It captures images from many angles, revealing faint scratches that centuries of wear had hidden. Researchers didn't expect to find new inscriptions here. They thought the wall was already fully documented. But they found around 300 inscriptions, 79 of which were new.

The Project: "Corridor Whispers"

The project was led by researchers from Sorbonne University in Paris and Quebec University, in collaboration with Pompeii's authorities. The goal is to create a 3D platform that combines different data types to show and annotate the graffiti.

Messages from the Past

Some inscriptions are well-known, like a hurried goodbye to a lover:

"I am in a hurry. Farewell, my Sava, make sure you love me!"

Or a slave's devotion to her beloved, asking for Venus' favor. Among the new finds is a sketch of two gladiators fighting and the start of a love declaration:

"Erato loves..."

A Treasure Trove of Ancient Life

Pompeii's over 10,000 known inscriptions are a treasure trove, offering a glimpse into the lives of ancient people. Their hopes, fears, and everyday thoughts. This new technology is like opening a new door to the past.