New frescoes discovered at Pompeii shed light on Bacchanalian mysteries

More than 100 years after the discovery of the large fresco in the Villa of the Mysteries, a new one has been discovered in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, in Italy.

An almost life-size frieze, or a 'megalography', has emerged which runs around three sides of the room. The cycle of paintings shed light on the mysteries of Bacchus, the Roman version of Dionysus — the ancient Greek god of wine, fertility, theatre and religious ecstasy.

Dating to between 40 and 30 BC, according to the scientists, the frescoes feature followers of Bacchus, known as bacchantes, depicted as dancers, hunters carrying a slain goat or sword, and young satyrs with pointed ears playing the flute or performing libations.

At the centre of the scene is a woman with an old man holding a torch, representing a young mortal participating in a nocturnal ritual to learn the mysteries of Dionysus. All figures characters are depicted on pedestals.

"What we see is actually a scene of initiation into the mysteries of Dionysus. In antiquity, various mystery cults existed, not only with regard to Dionysus, but also of Demeter and Isis," said Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the archaeological park.

Just last week, archaeologists in Pompeii uncovered one of the city’s largest private spa complexes, connected to a lavish banquet hall in the Regio IX district.

The remarkable discovery, located in insula 10, offers a rare glimpse into how wealthy Romans fused leisure, art, and political ambition within their homes.

Pompeii was an ancient Roman city near modern-day Naples in Italy. It was famously destroyed and buried under volcanic ash and pumice when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD.

A UNESCO World Heritage site and the second most visited tourist attraction in Italy after the Colosseum, Pompeii covers an area of around 22 hectares, one-third of which is still buried under ash, waiting to be excavated.

Video editor • Rory Elliott Armstrong