Archaeologists have uncovered a 'street of balconies' during excavations at a previously unexplored area of Pompeii. Here parapets and floor tiles bear witness to four projecting balconies that withstood the devastating eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, which buried the ancient Roman city in a thick layer of volcanic rock and ash.

Archaeologists have also found clay amphorae for wine still lying on their side after being placed in the sun to dry. "For Pompeii conservation of the upper storey is a rarity", director Massimo Osanna told ANSA. Consequently, the balconies will be restored and included in a new itinerary linking the Street of Nola with the Street of the Silver Wedding, he added. In addition to the balconies, the site has also delivered up frescoes, vases, oil lamps and other treasures on a daily basis.