Pompeii's slave quarters reveal brutal living conditions and unexpected diets

Archaeologists have uncovered harsh living conditions in the slave quarters of Civita Giuliana, near Pompeii. The site, excavated since 2017, reveals cramped rooms with evidence of restraints, offering new insights into the daily lives of enslaved people. Recent findings also show their diet was surprisingly rich in proteins and vitamins, contrasting with the poor conditions they endured.

The excavations at Civita Giuliana began in 2017, led by the Pompeii Archaeological Park in collaboration with the Torre Annunziata Prosecutor's Office. The site, uncovered in 2021, includes a 65-square-metre area where around 50 enslaved individuals lived. Their quarters consisted of low-ceilinged rooms—some as small as 16 square metres—with heights barely reaching 2 metres. These spaces had no windows, poor ventilation, and simple stone beds, often shared by multiple people. Chains embedded in the walls suggest they were restrained at times.

The diet of those enslaved was carefully controlled. Grain formed the staple, with about 18.5 metric tons consumed annually, requiring roughly 25 hectares of farmland. Food was stored upstairs to keep it safe from rodents and to regulate rations based on age, gender, and work assignments. Alongside grain, they ate fava beans, pears, and apples, providing a diet richer in nutrients than that of many free citizens. The project, funded with €140,000 as part of Italy's national archaeological campaign, also aims to demolish modern structures encroaching on the site. This will allow further excavations to reconstruct the original layout of the village and its connection to the nearby Villa of Civita Giuliana.

The findings at Civita Giuliana highlight the stark realities of ancient slavery, where enslaved people endured harsh living conditions despite a relatively balanced diet. The ongoing excavations, supported by national funding, will continue to expand knowledge of the site's structure and the lives of those who lived there. Further work will focus on restoring the village's original layout and preserving its historical significance.