A recent study published in the journal Current Biology has uncovered surprising new insights about the victims of Pompeii, the ancient Roman city tragically engulfed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Conducted by an international team comprising researchers from the University of Florence, Harvard University, and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, the investigation challenges long-standing beliefs about the identities, origins, and familial relationships of those who perished during the catastrophe.
One of the standout findings emerged from the analysis of 14 individuals preserved within Pompeii's famed plaster casts, which were created by pouring liquid plaster around voids left by decomposed bodies. Forensic archaeologist Elena Pilli led the research, alongside geneticists such as Stefania Vai, David Reich, and Alissa Mittnik, who worked tirelessly to extract highly fragmented DNA from skeletal remains.
Previously, scholars speculated about the nature of relations within these unfortunate individuals. Take the group from the House of the Golden Bracelet, for example; they were thought to portray a family scene, with a mother cradling her child and the father by her side. Yet, the study revealed these four individuals were all genetically male and had no biological ties to one another. Bafflingly, there weren’t any women present among the remains found there.
The adult holding the gold bracelet—long believed to be female due to its ornamental nature and its position—was conclusively identified as male. This finding disrupts conventional archaeological interpretations, which often correlate jewelry and adornment with femininity. The traditional lenses through which archaeologists have viewed ancient societies are now being called distinctly under scrutiny.
Similarly, another notable set of remains, dubbed The Two Maidens, had led historians to believe they were two sisters embracing one another. But, the genetic analysis determined at least one of those identified was male, and they were not linked through the maternal line, according to findings reported by Archaeology Magazine.
David Reich, who holds the title of Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, discussed the ramifications of these discoveries. "These findings challenge traditional assumptions about gender and family," he stated, as reported by CNN. The nature of familial ties and gender roles within these ancient communities may be more complex than previously understood.
The genetic analysis illustrated Pompeii as a melting pot, teeming with people from diverse backgrounds across the Mediterranean. Indeed, the genomes of these individuals show connections to Eastern Mediterranean countries, North Africa, and territories consistent with modern Turkey, Lebanon, and Italy, highlighting the cosmopolitan nature of this ancient city.
Alissa Mittnik from the Max Planck Institute underscored the necessity of merging genetic data with archaeological and historical records when performing such analyses to prevent misinterpretations grounded on contemporary biases. "Our findings hold significant sway over how we interpret archaeological data and grasp ancient societies," she proclaimed—a sentiment echoed by multiple sources, including Huffington Post.
Besides discussing their baffling findings, the researchers also examined how historical restorations of the plaster casts could have influenced the narratives created around the victims’ identities and their relationships. Originally developed by archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli back in 1863, these casts were achieved by pouring plaster around the hollows left by decayed bodies. Subsequent restorations may have inadvertently adjusted the postures and arrangements of these casts, aligning narratives more with modern expectations than the historical realities of their time.
“The findings highlight the importance of integrating genetic data with archaeological and historical information to avoid misinterpretations based on modern assumptions,” Mittnik reiterated, as per reports from RPP Noticias.
The revelations about the Pompeii populace highlight the vast potential social structures present within the Roman Empire. The diversity of genetic backgrounds present among the victims suggests substantial mobility within the population and significant cultural exchanges.
Looking forward, the research team aims to expand their investigations by studying another 168 individuals, thereby developing a more extensive profile of Pompeii’s ancient residents. Their mission will undoubtedly continue to deepen our grasp of the genetic variations, social dynamics, and everyday lives of those who lived—and tragically perished—in Pompeii.
The collective insights from this study illuminate how pivotal technological advancements, like genetic analysis, can revitalize our comprehension of history. What can genetic analysis tell us about past lives? How will these new interpretations shape our historical narrative? Only time will tell as researchers continue to dig through the remnants of Pompeii.
