The mythological figures inspired by Homer’s Iliad have been found in all their former glory on the elegant, black-painted walls of an imposing banqueting hall in the ancient Roman city buried and preserved by Vesuvius in 79 AD.

“Pompeii is truly a treasure trove that never stops surprising us and prompting amazement because, each time we dig, we find something beautiful and significant,” said Culture Minister Gennaro Sanguliano.

The dominant theme of the hall seems to be heroism, both for the depiction of pairs of heroes and gods linked to the Trojan War, as well as the references to fate and the power of humans to change their destinies.

As well as Helen and Paris, there is Cassandra, daughter of Priam, together with Apollo.

Cassandra was known in Greek mythology for her ability see the future but at the same time the inevitability of her prophecies being disbelieved.

This was because of a curse inflicted on her by Apollo.

She was therefore unable to prevent the tragic events of the fall of Troy despite having foreseen it.

The banqueting hall measures around 15 metres by six and opens onto a courtyard that appears to be open-air service area with a long staircase that leads to the first floor, bare of decoration.

A large amount of construction site material has been unearthed underneath the stairway arches.

Someone, possibly a slave, made charcoal drawings of two pairs of gladiators on the raw plaster of the staircase’s great arches along with what appears to be a stylised phallus.

The excavation of the area has so far brought to light two residences connected to each other, one house with a bakery and a ‘fullonica’ (washing area).

Behind these two houses are emerging sumptuous living rooms with frescoes, also in this case undergoing major restructuring work at the time of the eruption.

Sangiuliano added: “We believe firmly in this global uniqueness that Pompeii represents and for this reason we have financed fresh excavations in our current budget law.

“We must go forward in safeguarding this important site, and also in its valorisation.”

ANSA