Newly found Pompeii skeletons give further evidence of earthquake

The recent discovery of two skeletons at the Pompeii archaeological site provides further evidence of the destructive impact of the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Yet, these skeletons were found beneath a collapsed wall, indicating that the victims likely died as a result of powerful earthquakes that occurred alongside the volcanic eruption.

The pair, believed to be two males aged at least 55, were found in recent excavations at Pompeii’s “Chaste Lovers” block of buildings.

They are believed to have been killed as an earthquake knocked down a wall in the room where they sought shelter. One of the skeletons had an arm raised as if in defense.

The earthquake struck as the massive blast from nearby Mount Vesuvius covered the city of Pompeii with thick volcanic ash, preserving the bodies of many of its residents.

To date, the remains of over 1,000 people have been uncovered throughout the sprawling site, most recently in November 2020 when archaeologists unearthed two bodies, believed to be a young enslaved person and his owner.

For more information: https://www.dailysabah.com/arts/newly-found-pompeii-skeletons-give-further-evidence-of-earthquake/news