[ad_1]
About 2000 years ago, the ancient city of Pompeii was buried under ash and lava. At that time, two men sought protection in an arched passage, but were killed. Now scientists have created spectacular replicas of the two.
Pompeii archaeologists have created spectacular reproductions of two killed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79. The victims were discovered during excavations in 2017 near the ruined city in southern Italy. Their decomposed corpses had left holes in the surrounding ash layer, which the scientists filled in with plaster of Paris. According to a communication from the Italian Ministry of Culture in Rome, the plaster casts are surprisingly detailed. In this way, details about the material and cut of the clothing can be identified and conclusions can be drawn about the deceased’s previous injuries.
According to the reconstruction, on the morning of October 25, AD 79, the two men had sought protection from the volcanic eruption in a domed corridor, but were caught by a fatal heat wave there. In 2017, a stable with the remains of three horses was found in the same area. Excavations at the town of Civita Giulina, about 700 meters northwest of Pompeii, were going on for some time.
Continuously refined technology
Scientists assume that the victims are a rich man and a slave. The older man, probably in his 30s and 40s, was more elaborately dressed and wore a tunic and woolen coat. Based on bone examinations, archaeologists also suspect that the other victim was a younger man between 18 and 25 years old who worked as a slave. The plaster cast technique has been used in Pompeii since excavations in the mid-19th century, but has been refined over time.
Pompeii sank in the eruptions of Vesuvius almost 2,000 years ago. Ash, mud and lava buried the settlements. The historic city was rediscovered in the 18th century. Since then, new findings have come to light time and again. The archaeological site is one of the most popular attractions in Italy.
The museum grounds of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii are closed due to the corona pandemic, like all museums in Italy. But the investigation continues.
