Two more victims of ancient volcano eruption found in Pompeii
Two more skeletons have been found at the archaeological site of Pompeii, victims of the earthquake which accompanied the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, Italian officials announced on Tuesday.
- World
- Published Date: 04:05 | 16 May 2023
- Modified Date: 04:15 | 16 May 2023
Researchers believe what they found under the rubble of a house are the remains of two men aged around 55.
The men died of "multiple traumas" after parts of the building collapsed, experts say.
One man was hit by a part of a wall of a room that collapsed, while another part of the wall showed the massive intensity of the earthquake that accompanied the volcanic eruption.
The entire upper part of the room fell in on itself, crushing and burying the other man. Both skeletons were found lying down with the position of one giving the impression that he had tried to protect himself with his arm raised.
The discovery of the skeletons shows "how much there is still to discover about the terrible eruption of 79 AD," Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said in a statement.
"Modern excavation techniques help us better understand the hell that completely destroyed the city of Pompeii in two days and killed many inhabitants," said Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the German director of the archaeological site.
Archaeologists continue to come across spectacular discoveries in the sunken Roman city at the foot of the volcano Vesuvius. In 79 AD, ash, mud and lava covered the ancient city after several eruptions, thereby preserving it.
In the 18th century, Pompeii was rediscovered, making it one of the most popular tourist sights in Italy today.