A bakery has been unearthed in the remains of Pompeii, revealing the disturbing use of enslaved individuals to make bread. This discovery in the Regio IX region of the Pompeii archeological park in Italy has been deemed the most appalling display of slavery in the ancient Roman city. The bakery was found within a residence and had narrow windows that were secured with iron bars.

The finding offers additional proof about the daily routines of enslaved individuals in Pompeii. These individuals, often neglected in historical records, comprised the majority of the population and their strenuous work supported the city’s economy and contributed to the cultural and societal aspects of Roman civilization.

It is thought that the residence was being renovated at the time of its destruction by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. However, the remains of three individuals were discovered in a room of the bakery in recent months, suggesting that the home still had inhabitants at the time.

Source: theguardian.com