Pompeii Wardrobe Yields Perfume Bottle and Child's Necklace 2026

Archaeologists have discovered a sealed wooden wardrobe in Pompeii containing a child’s necklace, a perfume bottle, and other personal items, offering a rare glimpse into daily life before the city was buried by Mount Vesuvius in AD79.

The find, announced by the Pompeii archaeological park, includes makeup tools, coins, and a bronze lantern, all preserved for nearly 2,000 years.

Discovery in a Bustling Street

The wardrobe was found in a room of a home on Via dell’Abbondanza, one of Pompeii’s most vibrant streets. The wooden structure had remained sealed since the eruption, protecting its contents from looters and the elements.

Inside, researchers uncovered a collection of everyday objects that paint a vivid picture of Roman domestic life.

• Child’s necklace (crepundia): A necklace with over 20 charms, including depictions of gods Bes and Mercury.
• Perfume bottle: A small glass vessel used for storing fragrances.
• Makeup tools: Tweezers and other implements for personal grooming.
• Coins: 38 bronze coins, likely for daily transactions.
• Other items: An incense burner and a bronze lantern.

These artifacts provide a tangible connection to the people who lived in Pompeii before the catastrophe.

The Crepundia: A Child’s Talisman

The most intriguing relic is the crepundia, a type of necklace traditionally worn by children. Its more than 20 charms, crafted from various materials, represented several deities, including Bes and Mercury.

“A crepundia had a very special function,” said Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Pompeii archaeological park. “It was a reminder of their parents who perhaps lived far away … it was very typical of this society of people, who were often displaced.”

The charms rattled as the child moved, helping parents keep track of them and potentially aiding identification—a practical and symbolic role in a society where many people moved around the Mediterranean.

Why It Matters

This discovery goes beyond mere objects; it offers a human connection to the past. The necklace, in particular, speaks to the universal concerns of parenthood and the desire to protect children.

It also highlights the cosmopolitan nature of Pompeii, where people from various backgrounds lived and traded.

Preserving the Past

The artifacts are now being studied and will likely be displayed in the near future. The wardrobe itself, made of wood, is a rare find, as organic materials rarely survive in such conditions.

Ongoing excavations at Pompeii continue to reveal new insights into Roman life, from frescoes to food remnants. The background to this story is set out in Tom Hiddleston Brings Pompeii to Life in Emotional Nat Geo Doc. A related thread runs through Tom Hiddleston Brings Pompeii to Life in Riveting Nat Geo Doc. Earlier coverage in Alarcos Excavation Reveals Major Archaeological Discovery in Spain shows how the argument developed.

What to Watch Next

Researchers will analyze the objects to learn more about their origins and the people who owned them. The crepundia, with its diverse charms, may indicate the family’s status or trade connections. A closer look at the same subject appears in Ancient Rome to China: The 2,000-Year-Old Trade Map That United Empires. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Dangerous Artworks Buried in Sydney: Join the Heap Archaeological Dig. The same theme surfaces in Agrippa by Robert Harris: A Riveting Review of Ancient Rome's Rivalry, which takes a different angle.

As excavations continue, similar discoveries could further illuminate the daily lives of Pompeii’s residents. Context on how this played out before sits in Rome Turns Ancient Catacombs Into Climate Shelters Amid Heat Waves. A companion piece, Agrippa by Robert Harris Review: Ancient Rome's Power Duo, approaches the same subject from another angle.

FAQ

What was found in the Pompeii wardrobe?

The wardrobe contained a child’s necklace (crepundia), a glass perfume bottle, tweezers, 38 bronze coins, an incense burner, and a bronze lantern.

ADVERTISEMENT

What is a crepundia?

A crepundia is a type of necklace worn by children in ancient Rome, featuring charms that rattled to help parents keep track of them and served as a reminder of their parents.

Why is this discovery significant?

It provides an intimate glimpse into daily life in Pompeii, showing personal objects that belonged to real people, and highlights the cosmopolitan and mobile nature of Roman society.

Where was the wardrobe found?

It was found in a room of a home on Via dell’Abbondanza, one of the main streets of Pompeii.