Rare “Blue Room” Discovered in Pompeii

NAPLES, ITALY—CNN reports that a possible sacrarium has been uncovered in a large residential area in central Pompeii’s Regio IX. Gennaro Sangiuliano, Italy’s Minister of Culture, said that the room is thought to have been dedicated to ritual activities and the conservation of sacred objects. The walls of the room are painted blue and feature female figures representing the four seasons of the year and allegorical representations of agriculture and pastoralism. A collection of large transport amphoras, a set of two bronze jugs and two bronze oil lamps, and construction materials, including oyster shells for adding to plaster and mortar, were also found at the site. To read about another recent discovery in Pompeii, go to "Pompeian Politics."