Sometimes you get two men, or sometimes they come in threes, ZuchtriegeltoldThe Guardian.

This could be her husband, but it could also be her son.

There was no inscription, so we dont know.

In Pompeii, a recently-discovered funerary relief may depict a priestess.

Photo: Alfio Giannotti, courtesy Pompeii Archaeological Park

In her left hand is what comes off as a papyrus roll.

She really looks like a very important woman in the local elite, Zuchtriegel adds.

Priestesses had an important role in the public sphere, the paper continues.

In Pompeii, a recently-discovered funerary relief may depict a priestess.

Photo: Alfio Giannotti, courtesy Pompeii Archaeological Park

They had a position of power far removed from other women and very similar to male priests.

To learn more about this exceptional discovery, visit thePompeii Archaeological Park website.

Close-up of the man depicted in the funerary relief.

In Pompeii, a recently-discovered funerary relief may depict a priestess.

Close-up of the man depicted in the funerary relief. (Photo: Alfio Giannotti, courtesy Pompeii Archaeological Park)

Laurel leaves in the right hand of the possible priestess.

In Pompeii, a recently-discovered funerary relief may depict a priestess.

Laurel leaves in the right hand of the possible priestess. (Photo: Alfio Giannotti, courtesy Pompeii Archaeological Park)

In Pompeii, a recently-discovered funerary relief may depict a priestess.

Photo: Alfio Giannotti, courtesy Pompeii Archaeological Park