Petrified Pompeian Horse Provide Glimpse Into Pre-Vesuvian Past

Archaeological excavations in Pompeii have unearthed a new discovery after researchers exhumed the petrified remains horses and their riding accessories, the Italian newspaper Ansa reported Sunday.

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Inside the ancient villa of a high-ranking military officer, the remains of two or three horses were found, Pompeii archaeological park head Massimo Osanna told Ansa. Volcanic ash and scalding vapors serging from the mouth of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. killed city residents and suffocated the peaceful equarian trio instantly.

Draped in rich bronze trimmings, the horses were likely being saddled for the military magistrate minutes before the catastrophic volcanic eruption. “A rare find,” the lavish decorations confirm a long-standing suspicion among archaeologists who hope further excavation will lead to further understanding of Pompeians.

With breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and Capri Island, the general’s home was previously excavated in the early 20 century, before being reburied.

Aging photos from from the 1900’s show the home centering a voluptuous neighborhood and flanked by oil and wine warehouses, farmhouses, and “densely cultivated property.” The general’s home was lavishly decorated with expensive furnishings and eloquent frescoes.

"The exceptional finding of the stable with the horse harnessed  confirms expectations and is therefore only the first of many important discoveries that we hope to conduct,” Osanna said, adding that following investigation, the home will be opened to the public.