In an intriguing breakthrough, archaeologists in Pompeii have uncovered love notes that have remained hidden for nearly two millennia. These ancient inscriptions were only brought to light thanks to cutting-edge technology.
According to a statement released on January 20 by the Pompeii Archaeological Park, these romantic messages were discovered during research campaigns conducted in 2022 and 2025. The significance of these findings is just now being fully understood and revealed to the public.
The inscriptions were unearthed in a passageway that connects the theater district to Via Stabiana within the archaeological park. These walls bear witness to personal expressions of affection from the ancient world.
One of the inscriptions intriguingly mentions a woman named Erato, paired with the word “loves,” although the object of her affection remains a mystery. Another inscription exclaims, “I’m in a hurry; take care, my Sava, make sure you love me!” providing a glimpse into the urgency and passion of ancient relationships.
A third message reveals a heartfelt connection: “Methe, (slave) of Cominia, of Atella, loves Cresto in her heart,” illustrating the complex social dynamics and personal emotions that transcended social statuses in ancient Pompeii.
“Methe, (slave) of Cominia, of Atella, loves Cresto in her heart,” a third message read.
“May the Venus of Pompeii be favorable to both of them and may they always live in harmony.”
The archaeological park noted the wall was excavated over 230 years ago — and experts did not expect “any new information or further stories” from the tourist-heavy area.
“Millions of visitors pass by [this wall] every year,” the statement said.
Researchers digitally charted the wall to record the position of each inscription and identify connections between them.
Using specialized lighting photography known as Reflectance Transformation Imaging, they captured images from multiple angles to reveal faint or worn markings that would otherwise be difficult to detect.
Looking ahead, researchers are developing a 3D digital platform to further analyze the graffiti — while the park plans to install protective roofing to help preserve the inscriptions for future visitors.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of Pompeii Archaeological Park, stressed the need to “inform the public of these new discoveries.”
“We are working on a project designed to protect and improve understanding of the graffiti, which number over 10,000 across all of Pompeii — an immense legacy,” he said in a statement.
“Only the use of technology can guarantee a future for all this memory of life lived in Pompeii.”
A spokesperson for the Pompeii Archaeological Park highlighted the role of technology in a translated email to Fox News Digital.
“Certainly, technology has helped scholars identify new inscriptions and brought new stories to light,” the official said.
Systematic excavations at Pompeii began in the mid-1700s, and the site has fascinated historians and visitors ever since.
In November, excavators announced the discovery of an Egyptian vase inside a fast-food kitchen in Pompeii.
Last year, archaeologists at the site garnered new insights about a Pompeii family’s fight for survival against the volcanic eruption.
