Ancient Pompeii Wardrobe Reveals Intimate Daily Life and Protective Childhood Charms
Archaeologists discover a preserved Roman cabinet containing personal cosmetics, household goods, and protective amulets.
1Discovery in Pompeii Ruins
Archaeologists recently reconstructed a 2,000-year-old wardrobe found in a house on Via dell’Abbondanza. The furniture, located in Regio IX, Insula 11, was identified through its imprints in volcanic ash. The house appeared to be under renovation during the 79 A.D. eruption, evidenced by bare plaster ceilings and newly cut windows.
2Domestic and Commercial Artifacts
The wardrobe contained a diverse collection of domestic items, including a bronze lamp, an incense burner, and various pots made of glass, ceramic, and bronze. Researchers also discovered lead weights inside a wooden box. While these weights suggest potential commercial activity, their specific function within the household remains a mystery today.
3Ancient Beauty and Grooming
The cabinet held items resembling a modern makeup palette, including tweezers, a glass ointment jar, and a perfume bottle. A coticula, or small mortar, was used for grinding pigments for cosmetics. These tools provide insight into the daily beauty routines of residents living in the city before the catastrophic volcanic event.
4The Crepundia Protective Necklace
A standout find is the crepundia, a necklace featuring small amulets designed to protect children from evil. The charms were crafted from ceramic, glass, bone, and crystal, shaped into hands, feet, grapes, and deities like Bes and Mercury. Each piece was bored with a hole to allow for easy stringing.
5Symbolism of Childhood Charms
The crepundia served as a deeply personal keepsake in an era with high infant mortality rates. Researchers estimate that only five out of ten children reached the age of ten in preindustrial societies. These amulets likely represented a child’s identity or served as a memorial, reflecting the fragility of ancient life.
6Historical and Literary Context
The significance of crepundia is also documented in Roman literature, specifically in the play Rudens by Plautus. In the comedy, the heroine Palestra uses her childhood charms to confirm her identity and reunite with her father. This highlights how such objects functioned as vital records of personal history and social lineage.
7Evidence of Sudden Departure
The presence of thirty-eight bronze coins kept in a weaving basket suggests the inhabitants had no opportunity to retrieve their valuables during the eruption. The collapse of the wardrobe shelves, caused by the failing ceiling, preserved these items in a unique, singular collection that offers a rare glimpse into Roman life.
8Unique Archaeological Significance
While individual objects found in the wardrobe are common in Pompeii, this specific grouping is considered unique by researchers. The collection bridges the gap between domestic utility and personal sentiment. By analyzing these artifacts, historians gain a clearer understanding of the material culture and emotional lives of ancient Roman citizens.