Pompeii Is Reopening 2,000-Year-Old ‘Fast Food’ Bar To The Public
Image via Pompeii Sites
Fast food isn’t exactly the picture synonymous with the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, yet it’s what archeologists found at an excavation site in 2019. Since it’s still in pristine condition, why not put it back in use?
The thermopolium, a type of snack or ready-to-eat counter, happened to be well-preserved from the volcanic ash brought by the eruption that had wiped out the city all those millennia ago. More than 80 such counters have been uncovered over two centuries of excavation efforts, The Hill reports.
Brightly-hued frescos depicting animals and a still-intact image of a Nereid atop a seahorse adorn the structures, starkly contrasting the surrounding ruins. The splash of color almost brings back some vitality into the ancient city.
According to The Guardian, these snack bars, where the thermopolia would’ve been found, were mostly used by the city’s poorer residents as they rarely had their own kitchens at home. A typical menu would include dishes like salted fish and coarse bread, baked cheese, and spicy wine.
The diner in Regio V, a 54-acre site where these were uncovered, will be open to the public on August 12. While visiting the thermopolium, visitors will also be able to sneak a peek of two mansions currently undergoing restoration, Casa di Orione and Casa del Giardino.
Apre al pubblico dal 12 agosto il #Termopolio della Regio V, l’antica tavola calda di Pompei, portata in luce durante gli ultimi scavi in un’area della città antica mai prima indagata. pic.twitter.com/gPhWQAwkkV
— Pompeii Sites (@pompeii_sites) August 6, 2021
[via The Hill, image via Pompeii Sites]
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