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Street of balconies discovered in Italy's Pompeii

Published May 18,2018
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Part of fresco at domus delle Nozze d' Argento in Pompeii, Italy, 17 May 2018. (EPA Photo)

Archaeologists excavating an unexplored part of Italy's volcanic ash-covered city of Pompeii have discovered a street of houses with intact balconies that were buried when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD.

Some of the balconies even had amphorae — the conical-shaped terra cotta vases that were used to hold wine and oil in ancient Roman times.

The culture ministry's Pompeii authority announced the discovery Thursday. It said the balconies were a "complete novelty" for this part of the buried city, which hasn't yet been fully excavated. A statement said the balconies will be restored and the area included in a tour open to the public.