New Fresco Discovered in Pompeii – depicting Priapus

New excavations at the famous House of the Vettii, in Pompeii have revealed a new fresco of the god Priapus. The fresco depicts the god weighing his phallus on a scale against the weight of gold coins. By todays standards this may seem a rather vulgar image to have in one’s home however, for the Romans it was a symbol of power. In Roman mythology Priapus was the son of the gods Mercury and Venus. Priapus was believed to be a god of luck, fertility and wealth. Images of Priapus and his phallus were common, and scholars believe that the Romans would rub statues of him for luck. Depictions of him in homes were often intended as wards against intruders or bad luck. Additionally, depictions were seen as a way to ask the god for good luck, wealth or children.

It is Priapus’ association to wealth and luck that drew the Vettii family to depicting the god not one but twice in their home. The newly discovered fresco was found directly opposite of the front door of the villa. Archeologists believe that wealthy Ancient Romans would show off their wealth by leaving their front door open to show the luxury items that were held within. The positioning of this fresco was such that as one passed the villa it would be impossible to not see the god.

This display of wealth and power was important to the Vettii, as objects recovered from the villa suggest the family were Freedmen former slaves granted freedom. After their emancipation they became very wealthy as their lavish villa would suggest.  This new discovery was made in August 2018. The excavation is being made by a team of Archeologist funded by the Great Pompeii Project and the Italian Government. Excavations are expected to continue throughout the rest of the year.

-William Caterham