Archive · 20 Jan 2026
New Pompeii Wall Inscriptions Revealed by Digital Scans
Scientists used special cameras to find hidden writings on a wall in the ancient city of Pompeii.
Pompeii was buried by a volcano a long time ago, and now people study it to learn about the past.
They found almost 80 new messages, including love notes and drawings of gladiators.
The wall was already known, but the new technology helped see things that were too faint to see before.
This helps us understand what life was like in Pompeii long ago.
The team is working on a way to show these writings in 3D so everyone can see them better.
New imaging technology revealed 79 previously unseen inscriptions on a Pompeii wall.
The inscriptions include love notes, gladiatorial combat scenes, and everyday confessions.
Researchers used Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) to capture faint scratches invisible to the naked eye.
The discoveries were made in a long corridor connecting Pompeii's theatres to Via Stabiana.
The project, called 'Corridor Whispers,' was led by researchers from Sorbonne University, Quebec University, and Pompeii authorities.
- Who
- Researchers from Sorbonne University, Quebec University, and Pompeii authorities
- What
- Discovered 79 new inscriptions on a Pompeii wall using advanced imaging technology
- When
- The discoveries were made recently, with the corridor first uncovered over 230 years ago
- Where
- In a long corridor connecting Pompeii's theatres to Via Stabiana
- Why
- To reveal faint scratches and inscriptions invisible to the naked eye due to centuries of erosion
- Location
- Pompeii, Italy
- Discovery Method
- Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI)
- Number of New Inscriptions
- 79
- Total Inscriptions Found
- 300
- Researchers Involved
- Louis Autin, Eloïse Letellier-Taillefer, Marie-Adeline Le Guennec
- Project Name
- Corridor Whispers
- Site Director
- Gabriel Zuchtriegel
- Total Known Inscriptions in Pompeii
- 10,000+