Newly discovered skeletons in Pompeii tell of harrowing final moments

Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a man and a woman in Pompeii, providing new insight into the tragic events of the city's destruction during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Two skeletons found in a small room provide a stark glimpse into the final moments of these people as they faced the catastrophic eruption.

Opening details

The woman's skeleton was found near a bed, surrounded by valuables including gold coins, a pair of gold and pearl earrings and a key. Her age, estimated to be between 35 and 45 years old, suggests that she may have been trying to gather her belongings in a desperate attempt to escape. The presence of these items suggests that she was making a last-ditch effort to retrieve what was valuable to her amidst the chaos. Details of the find were published in the electronic journal Scavi di Pompei (Excavations of Pompeii).

In contrast, a young man, estimated to be between 15 and 20 years old, was found crushed by a collapsed wall in a narrow corner of the room. His position near the exit suggests that he may have attempted to escape but was unable to do so. The exact relationship between the two men remains unknown, but their proximity in the room suggests a shared experience in their final moments.

Archaeological finds and their significance

The room also contained a bed, chest, stool and serving table, piled high with glass, bronze and ceramic objects. Archaeologists used plaster casts to reconstruct the original positions of these objects, giving a clearer picture of the layout of the room and the victims’ final actions. This meticulous work reveals the personal choices and desperate attempts of Pompeii’s inhabitants to survive the eruption.

These findings contribute to the ongoing study of Pompeii by offering greater insight into the human experience during one of the most devastating natural disasters in history. The discovery of these skeletons helps paint a more detailed picture of the events that took place on that fateful day.