Nativity Scene-like statuettes uncovered at Pompeii
Archaeologists have found 13 Nativity-Scene-like terracotta statuettes during excavations at the Pompeii archaeological site, Azernews reports, citing ANSA.
Although the Christmas creche was obviously not a tradition in the pagan Roman city, experts believe the statues were arranged in a way that suggests they were part of an ancient ritual.
The pieces were found in a room in a domus near to the house of Leda and the Swan, where excavation and restoration work is ongoing.
The small sculptures are about 15 centimetres high.
They include human figures and they were found in an upright position on a horizontal plane, probably a shelf.
There is also the clay head of a cockerel, a glass pine cone, an almond and a walnut.
The room that held them, probably the atrium of the house, also had decorations that have been discovered on the walls.
---
Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention.
Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis.
By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more.
You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper
Thank you!