What Is a Pompeii Body?
The ancient city of Pompeii is famous for being one of the most well-preserved ancient cities, having been frozen in time after the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. However, when scientists, archeologists, and historians began to excavate the ancient city, they discovered something else that was just as interesting and mysterious as the city itself – Pompeii bodies. These fossilsized remains of the citizens and animals of Pompeii are some of the most awe-inspiring and remarkable discoveries of the 21st century.
The Fatal Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
In the year 79 AD, the Vesuvius volcano on the Italian Peninsula erupted with such force that it destroyed the city of Pompeii and nearby villages. The intense heat and thick layers of ash and dirt created a thin layer of ash, which was quickly replaced by a thick lava flow that swept away or downgraded everything in its path. What was left after the eruption was a covering of ash and lava that encased and fossilized the corpses of people and animals, who had been caught up in the horror of the event. The phenomenon of “Pompeii bodies” describes the bodies of victims that were discovered during the excavations of the city and its surroundings.
The Remarkable Preservation of Pompeii Bodies
The remarkable level of preservation of the bodies made it possible for archeologists to make an incredible wealth of discoveries. The ash had created a protective coating to the remains of the people and animals, which had been exposed to its intense heat, keeping the tissue and skin intact. It rapidly cooled shortly afterwards, forming a hardened covering of ash and volcanic stones around the remains. In addition, the air in Pompeii had become infected with deadly gases and toxins, which prevented spoilage and decay of the bodies and allowed them to remain in a mummified state.
The Discovery of the Pompeii Bodies
The rediscovery of this ancient city not only brought to light the archaeological and historical information of the Roman era, but it also revealed the awe-inspiring remains of a tragic event. In the 1860s, Italian archeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli and his excavation team discovered the Pompeii bodies during their dig in the city. Full body casts were made of the bodies in situ, which allowed archeologists and scientists to recreate the last moments of the victims. As more and more of the bodies were discovered, reconstructions of faces and even poses were made, creating a unique and impressive archive of the victims of the eruption.
Preservation of the Pompeii Bodies
The archaeological site of Pompeii along with its amazing treasures—the Pompeii bodies—has become a key archaeological monument in the world today. Although the excavation of the site took place in the 19th century, further discoveries of well-preserved remains continue to demonstrate the extraordinary preservation quality of Pompeii.
To preserve the Pompeii bodies and artifacts found at the archaeological site, circular glass enclosures were created by the Italian government. This served to protect the public from seeing the highly delicate remains and helps to make sure the remains are in a safe, environment for scientists to conduct research.
The Importance of Pompeii Bodies
Pompeii bodies have proved to be of incredible importance to archaeologists, historians, and cultural heritage experts. They provide invaluable insight into Roman life and the culture in Italy. This is especially true of the many artifacts that were found that provide evidence of how Pompeian society lived in the pre-volcanic days.
The remains also help to preserve the memory of those who lost their lives as a result of this natural disaster. 83 bodies were found and documented, of which 21 were men, 13 were women, and 49 were children. This provides an important source of information and a visible reminder of the tragedy that befell the city of Pompeii.
The Legacy of Pompeii Bodies
The discovery of Pompeii bodies helps to redefine the term “genocide”, as thousands of innocent civilians were indiscriminatingly killed during the eruption of the volcano. Witnessing their remains gives us a chance to remember those who perished, and helps us to comprehend the terror and destruction that occurred during this event.
Pompeii bodies also continues to inspire and fascinate us to this day as many of them remain remarkably well-preserved, even after two thousand years. The casts that were made of the remains are considered to be some of the most important and incredible depictions of the ancient city.
Moreover, the casts of Pompeii bodies act as a teaching tool, helping to bring history to life and giving us a unique window into the past. As we continue to explore this incredible archaeological site, Pompeii bodies allow us to contemplate the destruction of an ancient civilization, and appreciate the power of natural events.
Pompeii bodies are a remarkable testament to the strength and power of nature, but more importantly, they are a reminder of all those who lost their lives during this event. As we walk through the majestic remains of this ancient city, let us bear in mind that these frozen remains, who have been preserved for thousands of years, will continue to tell their stories to future generations, forever.
