"Unearthing Pompeii's Spectacular Banquet Hall and Ancient Paintings"

Archaeologists at Pompeii have discovered a banquet hall with well-preserved frescoes depicting mythological scenes from the Trojan War, including Paris and Helen, and Apollo attempting to seduce Cassandra. The "black room," named for its soot-concealing walls, is described as a refined setting for entertaining during convivial moments. The excavation is part of a broader project aimed at securing the perimeter between excavated and unexcavated areas, and has so far unearthed two interconnected dwellings with sumptuously decorated living spaces, indicating significant renovations prior to the eruption.