New Evidence of Pompeii’s Reoccupation Uncovered by Archaeologists
Archaeologists working at the famous site of Pompeii have recently unearthed compelling evidence suggesting that the city was reoccupied following the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Despite the widespread destruction that Pompeii endured, some survivors who were unable to relocate to new settlements are believed to have returned to live amidst the ruins.
It is hypothesized that these returning residents were joined by others seeking shelter and possibly searching for valuable items left behind by the original inhabitants of Pompeii amidst the rubble. The archaeological findings indicate that this reoccupation was characterized by makeshift living conditions, lacking the infrastructure and amenities typical of a Roman city.
While some upper floors of the original houses saw signs of life returning, the lower levels were transformed into makeshift cellars equipped with ovens and mills. According to Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the site, the post-79 AD Pompeii emerged as a precarious and somber settlement, reminiscent of a camp or favela amidst the recognizable ruins of the once-glorious city.
Previous indications of the site’s reoccupation had been overlooked in favor of preserving Pompeii’s iconic frescoes and intact structures. However, recent excavations have shed new light on this overlooked chapter in Pompeii’s history.
It is estimated that 15 to 20 percent of Pompeii’s population perished during the eruption, mainly due to thermal shock caused by the volcanic cloud enveloping the city. The subsequent burial under volcanic ash enabled the exceptional preservation of Pompeii’s structures, artifacts, and even human remains, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination.
With approximately a third of Pompeii’s 22-hectare area still buried under ash, ongoing archaeological excavations continue to unveil new insights into the ancient city’s tumultuous history.
© Agence France-Presse
