SILVERWARE FOUND IN VOLCANIC ASH
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[ July 18th 2005 ]

Archaeologists sifting through volcanic ash in Pompeii have unearthed fine silver goblets and decorated cups thought to belong to an ancient Roman dining set, Associated Press reports.

Originally excavated in 2000, the bounty was found in the ruins of a thermal bath near the remains of the Roman city, said Pietro Giovanni Guzzo, head of Pompeii's archaeological office.

Experts have spent the last five years extracting and restoring the 20 pieces of silver that were left behind by their owners as they fled the eruption, Guzzo told Associated Press as he presented the treasure to authorities and the media in Rome.

Researchers have ear-marked the items for further study in the hope of learning more about the city's economic status at the time of its destruction.