Reconstruction after 2000 years: the corpses of Pompeii were probably masters and slaves

Saturday 21 November 2020

During excavations in the ruined ancient city of Pompeii, archaeologists find two well-preserved skeletons. Researchers are able to understand the living conditions of both men. Several indicators show that they were unequally related to each other.

The Pompeii archaeologists have succeeded in the sensational reconstruction of two ancient victims of the historic volcanic catastrophe of the Gulf of Naples. The remains of the two men, believed to have been surprised by the eruption of Vesuvius on 25 October 79 AD, were found during excavations in the area of ​​a suburban villa, as reported by the Pompeii museum.

Experts were thrilled with how many details about the duo, such as their clothes, could be found. The researchers discovered the remains of a young man between the ages of 18 and 25, presumably a servant or slave, and a man believed to be between 30 and 40.

The oldest victim was about 1.62 meters tall and more elaborately dressed. According to their analyzes, scientists suspect that he was wearing a woolen tunic and coat. The 1.56-year-old child’s vertebrae were compressed, which indicates heavy physical labor. He therefore wore a short tunic.

Computer animation and laser in action

Excavations at the villa of Civita Giulina, about 700 meters northwest of Pompeii, had been underway for some time. Horse remains were also discovered in 2017. The results now presented on humans were made possible because the skeletons were in cavities under solidified volcanic ash, it was said. The researchers used lasers and computer animation. According to a method that had been used for a long time, casts of bodies could then be made.

The Italian Minister of Culture Dario Franceschini spoke of an “extraordinary discovery”. The grounds of the museum of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii are closed due to the crown pandemic, like all museums in Italy. But the research continues.

Pompeii was submerged by the eruptions of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Ash, mud and lava buried the settlements. The historic city was rediscovered in the 18th century. Since then, new insights have emerged repeatedly. The archaeological site is one of the most popular attractions in Italy.