Wow! Pompeii: Archaeologists unveil ceremonial chariot discovery

 We had the opportunity to visit the Italian ancient city of Pompeii in 2016, and it's a must-see. Before that civilization was buried under ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., it was quite the advanced society. They have street signs, the had restaurants with counters that had different containers of foods to choose from, bakeries, stone-lined streets, elaborate houses with painted murals, windows to allow light in, courtyards, arenas and so much more. As the city continues to be excavated even today, archaeologists find more things. This time it's a chariot!  Here's the Story from BBC News/and the release from Pompeii Archaeological Park

(Photos: The chariot unearthed in Pompeii. Credit: Pompeii Archaeological Park, Italy)

Pompeii: Archaeologists unveil ceremonial chariot discovery

Archaeologists in Italy have unveiled a ceremonial chariot they discovered near the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.

The four-wheeled carriage was found near a stable where three horses were uncovered back in 2018.

Experts believe it was likely used in festivities and parades, with the find described as "exceptional" and "in an excellent state of preservation".

The chariot was found in a double-level portico connected to stables at an ancient villa at Civita Giuliana, north of the walls of the ancient city.

Here's the link to the press release issued by the archaeological Park: http://pompeiisites.org/en/comunicati/the-four-wheeled-processional-chariot-the-last-discovery-of-pompeii/
 

(Photo: The chariot unearthed in Pompeii. Credit: Pompeii Archaeological Park, Italy)

A statement by the park described the ceremonial chariot as having "iron components, beautiful bronze and tin decorations" as well as ropes and floral decoration discovered "almost intact". 

The Park's press release said, "Atop high iron wheels, connected by an advanced mechanical system, rests the light carriage (0.90 x 1.40 m), or the main part of the chariot, where the seat was located, surrounded by metal arm and backrests, for either one or two individuals. The carriage is richly decorated along both sides with alternating engraved bronze sheet and red and black painted wooden panels, whilst at the rear there is a complex and extensive decorative system featuring three distinct registers with a succession of bronze and tin medallions with figurative scenes. These medallions, set in bronze sheet and surrounded by decorative motifs, represent male and female figures in relief, depicted in erotic scenes."

Archaeologists say efforts to safely free the chariot took weeks after it first emerged during an excavation effort on 7 January.

They said the fragility of the materials involved made their effort particularly complex, with special techniques, including plaster moulding, used to uncover it without damage.