DNA study reshapes understanding of Pompeii’s ancient population
New DNA analysis of skeletal remains in Pompeii is challenging long-held beliefs about the city’s ancient population. By revealing genetic links to populations in Rome and the eastern Mediterranean, the study paints Pompeii as a diverse, bustling hub in the Roman Empire, reshaping our understanding of its people and their connections across the ancient world.
- This study reveals inaccuracies in previous interpretations of Pompeii’s population, challenging assumptions about family ties and gender roles.
- It uncovers Pompeii’s genetic connections to the eastern Mediterranean, showing the city’s diversity and role as a key port within the Roman Empire.
- By combining genetic and imaging data, the study provides a clearer view of Pompeii’s residents and their relationships.
- It opens new possibilities for archaeology, using advanced techniques to better understand ancestry and connections in ancient societies.
Recent DNA analysis of skeletal remains in Pompeii reveals genetic similarities to populations in Rome during the Roman Empire, challenging previous assumptions about Pompeii’s population and heritage.
Previous research has shown that DNA can be successfully extracted from both human and animal remains, enabling scientists to delve into the lives of Pompeii’s inhabitants.
Pompeii, an ancient Roman town situated 22 km (14 miles) southeast of Naples, Italy, was famously destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, leaving a remarkable record of Roman life preserved in ash.
The eruption buried Pompeii under volcanic debris, preserving buildings, streets, and human remains under layers of ash and rock. Rediscovered in the late 1700s, Pompeii’s unique preservation now offers an extraordinary window into Roman life.
Layers of ash preserved Pompeii’s structures, artifacts, and even the forms of its people. Since excavations began in 1748, remains have been found across the town—in homes, public spaces, and streets.
As the bodies decomposed within the hardened ash, natural molds formed, preserving the shapes of people and objects at the moment of the eruption.
In the 19th century, archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli developed a technique of pouring plaster into the voids left by decomposed bodies, capturing the forms of Pompeii’s residents in their final moments.
In 2015, CT scans and X-rays used in a restoration project revealed that many plaster casts lacked complete skeletons, and some had been structurally altered by earlier restorers.
Genetic testing of skeletal remains has shown that certain individuals once thought to be family members were not biologically related, challenging past assumptions.
This new DNA evidence helps correct long-held assumptions about Pompeii’s residents. For example, an adult and child once thought to be a mother and child turned out to be unrelated. Another cast, often interpreted as two sisters embracing, included at least one genetic male. These findings reveal that past interpretations based solely on physical appearance can be misleading and underscore the need for a cautious approach when interpreting ancient lives.
Pompeii was a bustling port city with a diverse and mobile population, drawing people from across the Roman Empire.
One plaster cast thought to depict a pregnant woman was found, upon closer examination, to show only bunched garments around the abdomen, highlighting how early interpretations and restorations shaped public perception of Pompeii’s residents.
Genetic analysis of bone features suggested shared traits among Pompeii’s residents, pointing to common backgrounds or environments. Researchers extracted DNA from 14 plaster casts, targeting mitochondrial DNA for ancestry and SNP markers to investigate genetic diversity.
Using a combination of genetic data, CT scans, and X-rays, scientists re-evaluated assumptions about the identities and relationships of Pompeii’s residents, seeking a clearer picture of the ancient community.
The study aimed to learn more about the lineage and familial connections of Pompeii’s residents. By comparing genetic data with contemporaneous populations in Rome and nearby regions, researchers could trace Pompeii’s place in the wider Roman world.
This study challenges traditional views of Pompeii’s society and could reshape historical interpretations of its people, revealing the city’s cultural and genetic links within the Roman Empire.
References:
1 Ancient DNA challenges prevailing interpretations of the Pompeii plaster casts – Elena Pili et al. – Science Direct – November 7, 2024 – https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.10.007
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