ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNCOVER A FIRST-OF-IT'S KIND ROMAN CHARIOT ALMOST COMPLETELY INTACT
Pompeii was home to about 13,000 people at the time the tragedy struck. The town was buried in a volcanic eruption in 79AD. About two-thirds of the 66-hectare ancient city has thus far been uncovered. The ruins were not discovered until the 16th century, and organised excavations began in about 1750.
This event may have ended the life of the city and everyone in it. However, at the same time, the molten ash preserved much of it for almost 1700 years. For hundreds of years, archaeologists have discovered vast amounts of artefacts on the site.
"Pompeii continues to amaze us with its discoveries, and it will do so for many years, with 20 hectares still to be dug up," said Culture Minister Dario Franceschini.
Recently, archaeologists made yet another fantastic discovery that helps tell the story about that ancient time. Archaeologists have unearthed a Roman chariot near Italy's buried city of Pompeii. The culture ministry dubbed it "a unique find, without any precedent in Italy".
The chariot is almost perfectly preserved as it's made of iron, bronze and tin. The chariot was identified as a ceremonial carriage, found near the stables of an ancient villa at Civita Giuliana. The site is around 765 yards (700 metres) north of the walls of ancient Pompeii.
The outgoing director of the Pompeii archaeological site, Massimo Osanna, said the carriage was the first of its kind discovered in the area.
Several archaeological teams have discovered other functional vehicles used for transport and work, but none used for ceremonies.
Osanna stated that "This is an extraordinary discovery that advances our understanding of the ancient world." He added that the carriage would have "accompanied festive moments for the community, (such as) parades and processions".
Archaeologists are uncovering more and more from the ash-covered city, including their discoveries of an alleyway of grand houses, with balconies left mostly intact and still in their original hues.
The excavation of Pompeii has opened new doors to ancients times and has given unparalleled insight into Roman life.