At the end of the rain of lapilli, or when it seemed to weaken, a group ofinhabitants of the ancient Stabiae, the city near Pompeii, involved in the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, for unknown reasons returned to the place or emerged from makeshift hiding places, but was surprised by the last eruptive 'paroxysm'. Pyroclastic currents, dense, warm winds, generated by the collapse of the eruptive column submerged everything. It is one of the aspects that emerges from the new excavations of Villa San Marco that provide the "story" of the dynamics of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. The most recent campaign, launched in March 2023 and still ongoing, is highlighting new finds.
The terminal part of the upper portico has already emerged, partially excavated and the subject of further investigation by this site, with paintings still insitu and large excerpts of sections collapsed from the walls or from the ceiling.
"This excavation campaign in ancient Stabia offers discoveries of great archaeological value and is added to all the other activities put in place by the Ministry of Culture in recent months for the protection and development of the whole area. The context that winds between Stabiae, Oplonti, Herculaneum and Pompeii is among the most relevant in the world and still has much to reveal", says the Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano.
"Thanks to the collaboration with universities and the professionalism of the Park team - comments the director, Gabriel Zuchtriegel - Stabia confirms itself as a center for archaeological research of international resonance. This is an excellent premise to carry out our ambitious enhancement projects: expansion of the Museo Libero d'Orsie and creation of a training center at the Reggia di Quisisana, enhancement of the San Marco and Arianna villas with the creation of reception and educational services, study and insecurity of Grotta San Biagio to plan its future fruition".
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