Hoard of Pompeii charms

In 2019 archaeologists in Pompeii discovered a treasure trove of good luck charms and fertility amulets.

Most of the items would have belonged to women. A room with the bodies of 10 victims, including women and children, was excavated in the same house. The trove was found in what remained of a wooden box.

The wood itself had decomposed and only the bronze hinges remained, preserved by the volcanic material which hardened over it. The objects included crystals, amber and amethyst stones, buttons made of bones, beetles from the orient, amulets, dolls, bells, miniature penises, fists and a tiny skull.

They were found at the Casa del Giardino.

Amulets were essential in Roman daily life to ward off the 'evil eye', bad luck, and disease. They were commonly worn or carried by children, soldiers, and women.