Pompeii’s Culinary Delights Revealed: Kitchen Shrines, Numerous Bakeries, and a Captivating ‘Pizza’ Fresco

• New findings in Pompeii unveil industrial cooking spaces and stunning frescoes.
• Sections of Pompeii that have been untouched for centuries are now under exploration by archaeologists.
• A newly discovered shrine sheds light on the religious practices of the people in Pompeii.

During the recent excavations that began in spring 2023, astonishing discoveries were made in Pompeii. Archaeologists uncovered an industrial bakery and vibrant frescoes, including one that resembles a detailed, pizza-like flatbread.

Despite ongoing studies since its destruction in 79 AD due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, approximately one-third of Pompeii remains unexplored, as reported by National Geographic.

Alessandro Russo, the co-lead archaeologist of the recent excavation, is currently undertaking the exploration of an area in Pompeii that has remained untouched since the 1800s, according to the BBC. Previous excavations in the nineteenth century had only revealed the front portions of many houses, with limited access to the interiors. The size of the dig site is approximately 32,000 square feet.

Among the recent discoveries, the archaeologists found a massive bakery capable of producing 100 loaves of bread per day. Interestingly, it was not a shop but likely served as a wholesale bakery supplying Pompeii’s renowned “fast-food” establishments.

Prior to this excavation, other bakeries had been uncovered in Pompeii, but the latest find lacks a shop front. This suggests it functioned primarily as a supplier. Over eighty “thermopolia,” or ancient fast-food counters, have been unearthed in Pompeii, indicating the presence of a vibrant food culture.

One of the notable frescoes discovered during the excavation depicts what initially caused excitement online as a pizza. However, the Archaeological Park of Pompeii clarified that it is more likely a focaccia with fruit and condiments, as tomatoes and mozzarella were unlikely to be available in Pompeii during that era.

In addition to the architectural and gastronomical findings, several skeletons were recovered, contributing to the estimated total of 1,300 to 1,500 skeletons found in Pompeii. Notably, the positions of two women and a child suggest they were seeking shelter from the eruption.

Another interesting discovery is a shrine located in a kitchen. A detailed fresco depicts two yellow serpents, believed to be “good demons” bridging the gap between humans and gods. This kitchen shrine allowed people to offer food on their altars as part of their religious practices.

The Archaeological Park of Pompeii has not responded to Insider’s request for comment as it was made outside their regular business hours.