Naturally Preserved Bodies
The tragedy that unfolded in the ancient city of Pompeii in 79 A.D. has been preserved in a way that can still be seen today. Soon after the city was destroyed by a volcanic eruption, a flow of burning ash and dust covered the city and left behind the eerie outline and ruins of once-thriving streets and buildings. Alongside these ruins, an unexpected and incredible discovery was made – bodies of men, women, and children frozen in time, with their facial features and poses preserved down to the tiniest detail.
Over the years, archaeologists, anthropologists, and historians have studied the site of Pompeii and analyzed the mummified remains of those lost in the tragedy. By understanding the science and conditions that allowed for the preservation of their bodies, we can gain a better insight into what happened during this historic event and honor the memories of those who were left behind.
When Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, soot and ash along with other pyroclastic materials covered the city with a thick layer of material that in some cases reached thirty meters in depth. The human remains were engulfed by this layer, and the ash quickly hardened, trapping their bodies in the same positions they were in when they died. In some cases, even their facial expressions were preserved.
The ash worked in much the same way as concrete, quickly solidifying into a hard porous material that preserved the remains and outlines of whatever it came into contact with. As a result, the breathtaking sight of many of the bodies is almost like “stop-action photography” that captures the instant of death.
Apart from the hardness of the ash, the other important factor that contributed to the preservation of the bodies is the temperature.In 79 AD, the city of Pompeii was located in an area with a warm climate and low humidity.This combination of warmth, dryness, and the protective layer of ash enabled the bodies to remain intact for centuries.
In the process of creating mummies, the ancients took advantage of the natural environment and used dry sand or cloths to take away moisture.In the case of Pompeii, the ash served as a natural cloth and air-sealed the bodies, while the dry climate further contributed to the preservation.
For a brief moment, the eruption of Vesuvius froze the citizens of Pompeii in time. No longer able to make choices, however, their bodies are instead a silent testimony to this devastating volcanic eruption.This example of tragedy and catastrophe is a reminder of the fact that whilst nature is an incredible force to be respected, it can also take away everything in an instant.
Effects on Human Remains
For so many years the hot ash that had engulfed the corpses of Pompeii became a habitat for a range of flora and fauna.This changed the condition of the burial site and had a direct effect on the remains.The high temperatures generated by the eruption allowed plant roots to penetrate the ash and “grow” directly next to the human remains. This had a detrimental effect on their preservation.
The environment also brought out the effects of insects and other organisms which over time deteriorated the human remains. Although the bodies remained mostly intact because of the porous ash that had sealed the city and its citizens, the specimens’ appearance lost much of the physical characteristics of how they looked soon after the eruption.
Unfortunately, the transition of mummies and preserved remains to museum specimens has been observed to cause as much, if not more, damage than their exposure to the elements and insects.Much of the damage seen in Pompeii’s remains has been attributed to the process of excavation and conservation. The damage is more than just physical.Certain characteristics such as facial expressions of the victims and other visible data can be lost over time: the humans that died in Pompeii will no longer have their unique characteristics and stories told.
The issue arising from the effects on the human remains has started to call for regulation. The use of chemical preservation has started to be used to ensure that the relics and their associated stories are accessible and preserved in the long-term.
With chemical preservation, the remains are treated with a solution that destroys or slows the mummification process. This helps maintains the fragile remains and prevents the destructive action of the effects of insects and environment on the long-term preservation of the last exhibits.
Protection and Preservation
The bodies found entombed in the disaster of Pompeii offer an invaluable insight into the past, but the fragility of the mummies means that they must be treated with the utmost respect. Archaeologists and conservationists are doing what they can to ensure the long-term protection and preservation of these ancient relics.
Much of this effort has been focused on the development of methods for chemical preservation, temperature control, and greater public access to the site. In addition, conservationists have put in place an ambitious programme for the physical protection and renovation of the surviving structures.
The impact of these strategies have been profound. Visitor numbers to the site have grown steadily over the years, and the preservation of these ruins and mummies has provided insight into a moment in time where the Ancient Romans experienced a moment of terror that can still be felt today.
Despite the challenges they are faced with, conservators are striving to keep the bodies and their stories alive. By preserving and protecting the remains of Pompeii, we can also honor and remember the memories of those who were lost.
Preserving Technology and Commerce
As well as the human remains, some of the artifacts, statues, and tools that were forgotten by the citizens of Pompeii were also preserved. These and the structure of the buildings provide a unique time capsule for scientists to study and analyze.
The remains of the city also allow us to understand more about the culture and customs of the ancient Romans. From houses, temples, and markets to mausoleums and taverns, Pompeii shows us the amazing technological and commercial sophistication of the citizens.
Through the remains, we can also explore the complex religious culture and mythology of the city, and even the social structure for which it was renowned. From the clothes and jewelry the citizens of Pompeii wore to the impressive engineering achievements that have been displayed in the city’s ruins, we can see the way that technology had advanced in the city.
The technology incorporated in the buildings throughout the city of Pompeii reveal the fast-paced and progressive lifestyle of the ancient Romans at that time. Pompeii thus allows us to gain an insight into the advanced and cultural developments that had taken place in the city.
Jaw-Dropping Attraction
The city of Pompeii can form a large part of a traveler’s journey today. Visitors come from around the world to see the extraordinary, almost surreal-like remains of this ancient city.The haunting beauty of the site has captivated people for centuries and continues to draw crowds of visitors, who come to explore and learn more about the past.
The eerie beauty of Pompeii is undoubtedly an experience like no other. While the events of 79AD can seem like ancient history, the site of Pompeii gives modern-day visitors the opportunity to see a part of the past which has been preserved in an almost perfect state.
From the detailed remains of statues, paintings, and domestic items, to the preserved mummies of the city’s citizens, the site of Pompeii is truly a jaw-dropping attraction that fascinates people from all walks of life.
Despite their tragic demise, the people of Pompeii offer a unique insight into history, and the ruins that remain remind us of the power that nature can possess.The preservation of this city and its people is an intriguing mystery, and one that continues to draw the attention of many.
Further Research
However, despite the tremendous effort to preserve and research the site, much of it remains a mystery.The secrets held within this ancient city are far from exhausted, and further study is required to uncover the secrets and lives of the people of Pompeii.
Whilst progress has been made through archaeological studies and the identification of certain relics, there are still unknowns. Further questions remain over the true cause of the disaster, the speed at which it occurred, and the effects of the eruption on the area’s inhabitants.
At the same time, a vast array of artifacts lay waiting to be unearthed. Through further research and preservation of the site, we can piece together an image of the city in its heyday and honor the memory of the ancient people of Pompeii.
Awaiting Re-discovery
As time passes us by, the remains of Pompeii continue to be by-passed and forgotten by generations. The site of Pompeii has already been neglected for centuries, and yet its mysteries are only just being unlocked.
Researchers and conservationists alike tell us that there is much more to be found and learnt from the ruins of the city. Each day that passes, the attention of people shifts away from this valuable site.
And yet, despite its neglect, Pompeii still stands waiting to be re-discovered. The dormant city is biding its time, waiting for the right moment to reveal further treasures and secrets.
