Nearly 2,000 years ago, the ancient Roman city of Pompeii was completely destroyed when Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. The eruptions of Vesuvius are among the deadliest volcanic eruptions in Europe. At least 2,000 people may have been killed by the lava and hot air that followed the eruption.
Pompeii remains a unique testament to life in the Roman Empire and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
historical discoveries
Nearly 2,000 years later, the skull still bears many small white hairs, as well as parts of the ear. Foto: Foto: Pompeii Archeological Park Press Office
In an ancient burial chamber, archaeologists have found what is best described as Kept the skeleton ever Found in Pompeii, as well as information that sheds light on the cultural life of the city.
The discovery is special for several reasons. The skull still bears several small white hairs, as well as parts of one ear. Another thing that amazes archaeologists is that a skeleton was ever found, considering that most of the bodies were cremated at that time.
The skeleton was found in the burial chamber in Porta Sarno, an area of Pompeii that is still not open to the public.
Performances were held in Greek
Inscriptions in the burial chamber indicate that the former slave Marcus Vinerius Seccondio was found, and that he helped organize performances in Greek.
This will be the first confirmation that the performances in Pompeii were not performed solely in Latin, he writes Reuters.
The performances held in the Greek language are evidence of the lively and open cultural exchange that characterized ancient Pompeii, says Gabriel Zustregel, Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii.
Archaeologists are now investigating whether there is a possibility that Venerius was embalmed before the funeral. Remains of specific textiles that were used during mummification have been found on the skeleton.
(The article continues below the image).
Marcus Vinerius Secondo was found in the Porta Sarno cemetery in Pompeii. The area is not open to the public. Photo: Alfio Giannotti / AP
The former slave who became rich
Venerius’ name will appear in another city archive, where he is known to be a slave associated with the Temple of Venus.
In an interview with AP . News Zuktrigel says that Venerius was clearly able to establish his existence after he was freed from slavery, given the huge burial chamber in which he was found.
– He did not become very rich, but certainly reached a great fortune, says Zuchtriegel.
According to tests on the skeleton, Venerus must have been in his 60s when he died.
“Coffee trailblazer. Certified pop culture lover. Infuriatingly humble gamer.”
