Archaeological Discoveries and Pop Culture Controversy In Pompeii

The archaeologists responsible for the find were also able to recreate some of the home’s other furnishings via impressions of the organic matter left in the ash. This includes the wooden bed, a chest, and a table with a marble top that had a variety of ceramic and glass objects on it. There was also evidence that a large bronze candle stick had been knocked over within their room.

Park Director Gabriel Zuchtriegel mentioned “significant developments” of forthcoming excavations, in lieu of new investments that the country’s culture minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, announced earlier this year.

However, Madonna wasn’t the investor the park had in mind. 

Regardless of what behind-the-scenes circumstance lead to the refutation of the singer’s birthday bash, Pompeii’s official website posted a press release on August 12th stating, “Regarding the rumors circulating in the press these days about a ‘mega-party’ of an international celebrity with 500 guests in the excavations of Pompeii, as well as about an alleged rent of 30 thousand Euros for the large theater, the Archaeological Park specifies that these are unfounded reports.”

Although it’s unknown how the rumor began, The Times reported the Mayor of Pompeii, Carmine Lo Sapio, had been contacted about the event earlier this week and stated, “We are ready to welcome the singer.” As he and her Italian fan club prepared for her arrival, Michele Campisi, general secretary of the Italia Nostra heritage association, wasn’t all too happy. “Why does Madonna need to go to Pompeii?” she said to the press. “Is there not a more beautiful beach she could use? €30,000 is absurd. It’s like giving Pompeii away.”

Statements have speculated that around 500 A-List guests were expected to attend, including Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom who were already seen vacationing nearby. Local media also included the aforementioned Minister for Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano on the guest list. 

Madonna has always been vocal about her Italian ancestry, and it wouldn’t be the first time she’d celebrate her August 16th birthday in the country. Having previously taken over Noto in Sicily and the Borgo Egnazia hotel in Puglia— for a good view of Mount Vesuvius— the superstar might just have to settle for a yacht off the Bay of Naples this year.