13 “birth figures” discovered in Pompeii

The tradition of nativity scenes dates back to the 13th century, but traces of ritual performances in homes were already present in antiquity. The Pompeii Archaeological Park Administration reported that 13 small clay statues that were used in ancient rituals appeared in the city of Pompeii in the room of a house where excavations are currently underway.

Small sculptures about 15 cm high, from which human figures can be formed, were discovered in an upright position. The room they were in, perhaps the hallway of the house, also had decorations previously seen on the walls.

According to preliminary research, some of the motifs appear to be linked to the myth of Cybele and Attis, associated with the life cycle of the seasons. During the excavations, a room with frescoes was uncovered in which four round arches with female faces of refined elegance can be seen.

The ancient city of Pompeii was buried under the ashes of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Recently, a number of important discoveries have been made at an excavation site near Naples. Pompeii is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and one of the most visited attractions in Italy.