Hall with Trojan War frescoes discovered in Pompeii

A black-walled dining hall with paintings inspired by the Trojan War has been discovered during excavations in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, Reuters writes.

The size of the hall is about 15 meters long and six meters wide.

“People would meet to dine after sunset, and the flickering light of the lamps had the effect of making the images appear animated, especially after a few glasses of good Campanian wine,” Head of Pompeii Archaeological Park Gabriel Zuchtriegel said.

One of the frescoes shows Paris and Helen, whose love affair, according to ancient Greek mythology, caused the Trojan War.

Another one depicts Cassandra and Apollo. According to Greek mythology, being given the gift of foresight, Cassandra predicted the Trojan War. However, no one believed her because of the curse that Apollo put on her for refusing to give herself to him. 

Pompeii was destroyed in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, coming under volcanic ash.