Rome, May 16 (EFE).- Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of two bodies while digging in the ruins of Pompeii, authorities confirmed on Tuesday
The inhabitants of the ancient city are thought to have died during an enormous earthquake that struck the city after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD.
The discovery has provided more details about the moments just before the violent eruption, since the inhabitants of Pompeii did not only die from lapilli — the small fragments of lava, ash and hot gas that the volcano spewed — but also from the damage linked to the massive earthquake that also struck the region.
The victims that were recently unearthed during an excavation in the House of Chaste Lovers died when a wall collapsed “which occurred between the final phase of sedimentation of the lapilli and before the arrival of the pyroclastic currents which definitively buried Pompeii,” a statement published by the archaeological team said.
The latest finding suggests that during the eruption of Vesuvius, “it was not only the collapses associated with the accumulation of lapilli or the impact of pyroclastic currents that were the only dangers for the life of the inhabitants of ancient Pompeii,” the report added.
Initial analysis suggests that both individuals died from multiple trauma wounds provoked by the collapse of parts of the building they were in. Archaeologists said the victims were likely male and at least 55 years old.
During the removal of the cervical vertebrae and the skull of one of the two skeletons, remains of organic material emerged, possibly a piece of cloth, as well as five elements of glass paste which archaeologists confirmed were beads from a necklace and six coins.
“The discovery of the remains of two Pompeians which took place in the context of the construction site in the Insula dei Casti Amanti shows how much more there is to discover about the terrible eruption of 79 AD and confirms the opportunity to continue the scientific research and excavation activities,” Italian culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said.
“Pompeii is an immense archaeological laboratory which has regained strength in recent years, astonishing the world with the continuous discoveries brought to light and demonstrating Italian excellence in this sector,” Sangiuliano added.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the excavation site, said “modern excavation techniques help us better understand the hell 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,” Zuchtriegel added. EFE
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