Who visiting Pompeii or studying its history has not heard of the famous forum granaries located in the western part of the Forum.
The Forum of Pompeii was the political, economic and social center of the ancient Roman city and is one of the most important and well-preserved areas of the entire archaeological site. Among the many discoveries made in this fascinating place are the Forum granaries.
So called because at the time of discovery they were interpreted by various scholars as places used to store grain. Only later by studying their structure did archaeologists rule out that in the reality of Pompeii they could have been granaries. As incompatible with the use of granaries intended for the storage of perishable materials, such as fruits and vegetables.
The granaries are one of the most important places in Pompeii that have allowed the secrets of its economic and commercial life to be revealed. Indeed, many of the artifacts found during archaeological excavations are preserved there.
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Pompeii’s granaries used as storage of artifacts
Around the 1800s in all the spaces adjacent to the forum all the materials collected during archaeological excavations began to be accumulated. Only with the arrival of Superintendent Maiuri did the structure begin to be used as a repository for the finds, recovered between the 1920s and the 1960s, especially in Via dell’Abbondanza.
These finds were stored in barns, as they were not considered important to be sent to the archaeological museum in Naples.
In fact, they were mostly amphorae, pots and pans and cooking stoves, jugs and bottles, in short, all the material used daily by Pompeians for their activities.
As well as large containers used to transport oil, wine and fish sauces from all over the Mediterranean. Marble tablets and fountain basins that adorned the entrances to houses. And some casts of victims of the eruption as well as that of a dog and a tree.
Today the forum granaries house approximately 9 thousand artifacts .
The importance of the artifacts contained in the granaries of the Forum
Finds not so important as to be sent to the Archaeological Museum in Naples, but equally crucial for reconstructing the contacts that the city of Pompeii had with other Mediterranean countries.
In fact, upon examination of the contents of the amphorae and from their shape it became clear not only where they came from but also what they contained.
For example, such as amphorae from Spain used to carry fish and oil sauces, or amphorae from Africa that contained brines. Or Cretan, Oriental, Gallic, and Turkish amphorae.
In short, common materials, not prestigious, but rich in history and very important for weaving the web of relationships that bound Pompeii to the countries of the world. And to make us understand that Pompeii was not just one city, but highly commercialized. And to provide us with an important record of what Pompeians preferred, what they ate, and their daily lives.
The barns today
The granaries are currently undergoing redevelopment; in fact, work has begun to make the granaries one of Pompeii’s most important exposed archaeological repositories.
Upon completion of the work and subsequent outfitting, the storehouses will be made accessible to the public through a renovated exhibition route. That includes new protective covers, new lighting and large display cases that will allow the public to finally visit these finds.
