Historians have always believed that

Historians have always believed that commerce existed between the Roman Empire and India, now the first actual evidence of this has come to light. Proof is given by a small, ornately carved statuette of the Indian goddess of love, scarcely 12 inches high which has been discovered during the new excavations of Pompeii, though town overwhelmed by Vesuvius 2000 years ago._x000D_ The discoveries made by Doctor Amedeo Maiuri, archaeologist in charge of the excavations, who says the statuette is the only object of Indian art ever discovered amongst the thousands of statues and other objects dug out at Pompeii._x000D_ When found, the statuette was in several pieces, but was quickly restored and shows the almost nude figure of a woman flanked by smaller female figures._x000D_ Photo shows: The excavations were the statuette was found. Vesuvius is seen smoking in the background_x000D_ 7 February 1939