The ancient Roman town of Herculaneum, nestled on the Bay of Naples, met a devastating end during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Unlike its more famous neighbor Pompeii, Herculaneum was buried by a unique volcanic process. This event led to the preservation of its inhabitants’ skeletal remains, known as the “Herculaneum bodies.” These remains offer insight into the lives and final moments of people from nearly two millennia ago.
The Eruption and Preservation Process
The destruction of Herculaneum began hours after the initial eruption of Vesuvius, which had blanketed Pompeii in ash. Herculaneum was struck by a series of pyroclastic surges, fast-moving currents of hot gas, ash, and volcanic debris. These surges, sometimes traveling at speeds of approximately 160 kilometers per hour (100 mph), enveloped the town. The intense heat, reaching between 400-500°C (750-930°F) and sometimes over 550°C (1,022°F), instantly vaporized the soft tissues of the inhabitants.
This caused instantaneous death, a process often referred to as thermal shock. Evidence from the skeletons, such as blackened bones and heat-induced fractures, suggests the extreme temperatures caused bodily fluids to boil and skulls to fracture. The subsequent rapid burial by layers of hot volcanic ash and solidified rock then protected the skeletons from decay and environmental exposure. This process resulted in the preservation of actual bone structures, rather than impressions.
Distinguishing Herculaneum from Pompeii
The preservation at Herculaneum differs significantly from that observed in Pompeii. At Pompeii, individuals were primarily buried by cooler, slower-falling ash and pumice. Over time, their soft tissues decayed within these ash layers, leaving hollow voids in the hardened volcanic deposits. Archaeologists later discovered these cavities and filled them with plaster, creating the famous casts that capture the victims’ final positions.
Herculaneum was inundated by pyroclastic flows that incinerated organic matter, leaving skeletons intact within the solidified volcanic material. The deeper burial of Herculaneum, under as much as 20 to 25 meters of volcanic debris, also contributed to its distinct state of preservation. This difference means scientists studying Herculaneum have direct access to skeletal remains, providing different types of biological information compared to the plaster casts of Pompeii.
Scientific Insights from the Skeletons
The preserved skeletons from Herculaneum have provided scientific insights into the lives of ancient Romans. Analysis of bones and teeth reveals details about diet and nutrition; for instance, stable isotope analysis from 17 individuals showed men consumed approximately 50% more seafood, while women ate more meat, eggs, and dairy. The general population also exhibited healthy teeth, possibly due to a diet low in sugar and high in fluoride from seafood.
Scientists have identified various diseases and physical stressors through skeletal examination. Conditions like arthritis, reflecting the physical demands of daily life, are evident in bone structures. Traces of lead poisoning, potentially from lead pipes or cooking vessels, have also been detected. A discovery includes the vitrified brain tissue found in one victim, transformed into glass-like material by the extreme heat. The overall health of the Herculaneum inhabitants appears robust, with average heights comparable to modern populations in the region.
Recent Discoveries and Ongoing Research
Archaeological work at Herculaneum continues to yield new findings, expanding our understanding of the site and its inhabitants. In 2021, the skeleton of a man, aged between 40 and 45, was discovered on the ancient beach, near where hundreds of others sought refuge. This individual, possibly a soldier or fugitive, was found with a cloth shoulder bag containing metal objects and traces of gold finish.
Modern scientific technologies are increasingly applied to both newly unearthed and previously excavated remains. Advanced DNA sequencing, when possible despite DNA damage, along with CT scans and detailed chemical analyses, allows scientists to extract significant information. These ongoing studies continue to reveal further insights about the demographics, health, and daily routines of the people of Herculaneum.