A woman sits in front of a skeleton in the Pompeii Archaeological Park. © -/Pompeii Archaeological Park/dpa
Victims of the volcanic eruption of 79 AD are still found in Pompeii. The spectacular finds shed light on the life and sudden death of the inhabitants of the sunken city.
Pompeii - Archaeologists have found three skeletons in a previously unexplored site of the sunken city of Pompeii in Italy. These are victims of the devastating volcanic eruption from 79 AD, as the park announced. The researchers assume that they are the remains of two adult women as well as a toddler aged three to four years. The skeletons were found under the rubble of a building where they were probably seeking shelter.
During the excavations in Via di Nola, in one of the nine districts into which the ancient site is divided, the archaeologists uncovered two houses. Excavations had already begun there in 1888, but were then interrupted, it was said. According to the findings, one house included a laundry with tubs for washing and dyeing clothes, a bakery and a room for processing and producing food. The remains of the bones were found in that building.
Death of the Pompeians can be reconstructed
All three skeletons were found lying down. The walls and ceiling of the house collapsed, crushing and burying the three Pompeians under the rubble. They had several potentially fatal injuries due to the collapse.
During the excavations, two wall frescoes with mythological illustrations were also found. These depict Apollo and Daphne, as well as Poseidon and Amymone. In addition, the researchers discovered traces of charred furniture, which may be due to a fire during the volcanic disaster.
In the sunken Roman city at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, archaeologists repeatedly come across spectacular finds. In 79, ash, mud and lava covered the ancient city after several volcanic eruptions. In the 18th century, Pompeii was rediscovered. The preserved remains of death and devastation still give an insight into life back then. Today, the park is one of the most popular attractions in Italy. (dpa)
