A recent study published in Current Biology has challenged traditional interpretations of the plaster casts of victims from Pompeii, which was buried under volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Researchers examined the skeletal remains of five individuals found in the casts, utilizing ancient DNA and strontium isotopic data to analyze familial relationships and sex. The findings indicate that the identities of the individuals do not align with previous beliefs.
The study reveals that an adult male, previously thought to be a mother holding a child, is actually an unrelated male. Similarly, a pair that was believed to be two sisters includes at least one male. The research further suggests that the Pompeians largely descended from immigrants from the Eastern Mediterranean, a pattern also observed in ancient genomes from Rome, highlighting the cosmopolitan nature of the Roman Empire during that time.
Jacopo Bonetto, an archaeologist at the University of Padua, commented on the study, noting that while the DNA analysis is commendable, the focus on the surprising familial relationships overshadows broader implications. He emphasized that ancient DNA can provide insights into family ties among Pompeians, their living arrangements, and even their health conditions.
Bonetto's research group is part of a Mediterranean network studying ancient DNA, aiming to build a comprehensive database to explore migration patterns, cultural exchanges, and social structures in ancient populations. This ongoing research seeks to answer questions about family dynamics, housing ownership among immigrants, and the historical context of health issues faced by ancient peoples.