Archaeologists in Pompeii have found two new skeletons of inhabitants of the Roman city, who died due to the huge earthquake that accompanied the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius in 79. These bodies, which have come to light after new excavations in the archaeological area, show, according to experts, that the inhabitants of Pompeii not only died from the lapilli – small fragments of lava – the ash and hot gases given off by Vesuvius, but also by the collapses of a large earthquake connected to the eruption.
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This is what happened to the last two victims found, whose skeletons were found in the insula of the Chaste Lovers. The data of the first anthropological analyses indicate that both individuals died from multiple traumas caused by the collapse of some parts of the building. The two died when a wall fell "between the final phase of sedimentation of the lapilli and before the arrival of the pyroclastic currents that definitively buried Pompeii," explained Tuesday those responsible for the archaeological area in a statement. Experts point out that they may be two men of at least 55 years.
Detailed view of one of the skeletons. (EFE/Pompeii Archaeological Area)
During the extraction of the cervical vertebrae and skull of one of the two skeletons, remains of organic material were also found, probably a piece of cloth, and five elements of glass paste, belonging to beads of a necklace, and six coins.
"The discovery of the remains of two Pompeians that took place in the context of the construction work on the Castos Amantes island demonstrates how much remains to be discovered about the terrible eruption of 79 and confirms the opportunity to continue scientific research and excavation activities," said the Italian Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano. Pompeii is "an immense archaeological laboratory that has regained strength in recent years, astonishing the world with the continuous discoveries brought to light and demonstrating Italian excellence in this sector," the minister added.
For the director of the archaeological area, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, "modern excavation techniques help to better understand the inferno that completely destroyed the city of Pompeii in two days, killing many inhabitants: children, women and men. With analysis and methodologies we can get closer to the last moments of those who lost their lives."