Explore Regio V in Pompeii: A Virtual Tour of Recent Excavations
For those captivated by the history of the ancient city of Pompeii in Italy, there’s exciting news. Drone footage has captured stunning sections of Regio V, a vast 54-acre archaeological site that has undergone extensive excavation in the last two years.
This incredible footage is presented in a YouTube video narrated by Massimo Osanna, the director of Pompeii Archaeological Park. Meanwhile, with travel restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this video serves as a fantastic opportunity to embark on a virtual exploration of the remarkable discoveries made during the excavations. Among these findings are the renowned ‘House with the Garden,’ notable for its intricately designed triclinium frescoes and painted portico, and the ‘House of Orion,’ showcasing First Style paintings and the mosaic of Orion.
Regrettably buried under ash and pumice after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, Pompeii has been gradually revealing its secrets. The drone footage highlights the “Room of Skeletons” in the ‘House with the Garden,’ a poignant reminder of the 11 victims discovered there, predominantly women and children who sought refuge but ultimately succumbed to the eruption. The virtual tour also offers an insight into the ‘House of Orion,’ which contains the most ancient preserved furnishings that tell the story of life during that era.
This house features stucco panels of diverse colors that emulate marble, reminiscent of the luxury found in the Egyptian Ptolemaic court and showcasing the artistic influences of the time. The mosaic of Orion, which gives the house its name, illustrates one of the more obscure myths from ancient mythology. Additionally, viewers have the opportunity to explore the nearby archaeological site of Herculaneum through interactive 3D scans that utilize advanced laser scanning and drone photography technologies.
To view the drone footage of Regio V, click here and to explore the 3D scans of Herculaneum, click here.
