Archaeologists uncover fresco in Pompeii with cheesy pizza-like dish served on silver platter – Colossal



Art Food History

#archeology #Italy #pizza

Pompeians: they are just like us! Hungry for pizza.

Earlier this year, archaeologists excavating a block of houses in Regio IX of the Vesuvian city discovered fresh showcasing a round, mellow dish reminiscent of the modern favourite. The researchers were quick to point out that pizza, as we know it today, hadn’t been invented when the 2,000-year-old painting was created, though the ancient civilization prized focaccia, a tomato-and-cheese-topped cousin of pie.

This dish appears topped with pomegranate, spices, and a cheesy pesto known as mortuary. Served on a silver plate accompanied by dried fruit, yellow strawberries and a full glass of wine, the focaccia probably represents a « gift of hospitality », according to the Pompeii Archaeological Park. These offerings to guests emerged from the Hellenistic period and the Greek practice of Kseniawhich also describes the genre of paintings depicting this tradition.

About 300 ancient food frescoes have been found around Pompeii, although this still life is particularly well executed. While the work offers insight into what buried civilization ate, director Gabriel Zuchtriegel says he also has implications for how we understand the evolution of food and wealth, sharing:

I am thinking of the contrast between a modest and simple meal that reminds us of a sphere that lies between the pastoral and the sacred on the one hand, and the luxury of silver trays and the refinement of artistic and literary representations on the other. In this regard, how can we not think of pizza, also born as a ‘poor’ dish in southern Italy which has now conquered the world and is served in starred restaurants.

This find comes three years after Pompeii archaeologists discovered a perfectly preserved snack shop that served fish, poultry and, of course, lots of wine.

#archeology #Italy #pizza

Are stories and artists like this important to you? Become a Colossal member today and support independent art publishing for just $5 a month. You’ll connect with a community of like-minded readers and contemporary art enthusiasts, read ad-free articles and newsletters, support our interview series, get discounts and early access to our limited edition print publications, and much more. Sign up now!