This astounding discovery of more than 100 amulets, lucky charms, and precious gems in the Ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii was believed to have belonged to a sorceress who may have died more than two milennia ago in the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Researchers believe that the hoard once belonged to a woman, and most likely had magical significance – for protection or adornment to invoke fertility, fortune and to defend the wearer from bad luck.
Pompeii’s general director Massimo Osanna said in a statement: ‘They are objects of everyday life in the female world and are extraordinary because they tell micro-stories and biographies of the inhabitants of the city who tried to escape the eruption.’
So whether a sorceress used to own these or not, they are still a glimpse of Pompeii’s past.
Image Credit: ANSA