The remains of two men who died in the volcanic eruption that destroyed the ancient Roman city of Pompeii almost 2000 years ago were discovered by archaeologists, the BBC reported.
One of the bodies would belong to a tall man status social and the other to one of his slaves, announced the authorities of the archaeological park of Pompeii.
The two men “maybe were looking for refuge” from the eruption “when they were dragged”, added the director, Massimo Osanna.
Pompeii was swallowed up by a volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The eruption buried Pompeii in ashes, “freezing” the city and its residents in time and thus making it a very rich source of research and knowledge for archaeologists.
The latest discovery was made this month during an excavation at a large stately home (“villa”) on the outskirts of the ancient city.
Archaeologists estimate that the rich man would be between 30 and 40 years old. Traces of a warm woolen cloak have been found near the neck.
The other man was between 18 and 23 years old. Crushed vertebrae indicate that he was a slave who did manual labor. Molds were created using prints that the victims’ bodies made on the hardened ashes.
“It was a death by thermal shock, as revealed by his closed hands and feet”, Osanna told reporters.
The investigator described the discovery as “an incredible and extraordinary testimony” the morning the eruption occurred.
Excavation work continues at the archaeological site, located near Naples, but currently closed to tourists because of measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
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