Nativity-style statuettes found at Pompeii suggest pagan ritual, experts say

Thirteen figurines, which include human forms, appear to pay tribute to cult goddess Cybele and her tragic love Attis

Thirteen Nativity-style statuettes have been found amid the ruins of Pompeii, a discovery experts say provides evidence of pagan ritual traditions in the ancient Roman city.

The terracotta figurines were found in an upright position on what was probably a shelf in the hallway of a home during recent excavations at the archaeological park in southern Italy.