Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the archaeological park, noted that the priestess's position was the highest a woman could achieve in public life in ancient Pompeii.

Experts suggest the figures may not necessarily depict a married couple due to the lack of inscriptions, leaving their exact relationship uncertain.

The funerary reliefs, including the sculptures, will be showcased in an exhibition titled 'Being a Woman in Ancient Pompeii' starting on April 16, 2025.

Among the findings are two nearly life-size statues, one of a male figure in a simple toga and another of a female figure adorned in a large cloak over a tunic, featuring intricate jewelry.

The female figure is depicted holding laurel leaves, a symbol used in Roman rituals, and a cylindrical container that may represent a scroll, suggesting her high status.

Experts believe the female sculpture represents an important local figure, potentially a priestess of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility.

Recent excavations at the Porta Sarno necropolis in Pompeii have uncovered a monumental tomb dating back nearly 2,000 years, revealing significant archaeological findings.

This excavation project is a collaboration between the Pompeii archaeological park and the European University of Valencia, continuing a history of significant discoveries in the area.

Discovered in 1998, the site remained unexcavated until recent construction work prompted its clearance of ash and stone, allowing for the examination of over 50 cremation burials.

Additional clues suggesting the female figure's high status include plant motifs and an object resembling a papyrus scroll in her hands.

This discovery sheds light on the religious practices in Pompeii, indicating the presence of priestesses in Roman society, a role that allowed women to achieve a high social standing.

Priestesses of Ceres, known as sacerdotes Cereris, were typically from prominent families, indicating the couple's likely respectable lineage.