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Pompeii archaeologists uncover tragic final moments of two victims of Mount Vesuvius eruption

Archaeologist cleaning the remains of the skeleton of a man who died in Pompeii during the eruption of 79 AD
Archaeologist cleaning the remains of the skeleton of a man who died in Pompeii during the eruption of 79 AD Copyright Credit: AP Photo
Copyright Credit: AP Photo
By Theo FarrantAP
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The two skeletons were discovered in a cubicle, likely a bedroom, which had been sealed off by volcanic ash and lava, trapping them and leading to their death.

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Two victims of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD were found in recent archaeological excavations of Pompeii.

They were identified as a man and a woman. The latter was found on a bed, holding a small treasure of gold, bronze and silver coins, as well as some precious jewellery, including gold and pearl earrings.

The two were found in a cubicle, which is thought to be a bedroom, according to the Pompeii Archaeological Park. The cubicle was connected to a grandly decorated salon and found behind a previously discovered shrine.

"It is a great restoration site and it is a secured site that gives us really valuable information about the last moments of people's lives in the eruption of 79 AD, the choices they made, what to bring and where to take refuge," said Pompeii Archaeological Park Director Gabriel Zuchtriegel.

The woman’s skeleton found alongside coins and jewellery
The woman’s skeleton found alongside coins and jewellery Credit: AP Photo
Aerial shot of the cubicle where the two victims were found
Aerial shot of the cubicle where the two victims were found Credit: AP Photo

The prints left in the ashes have allowed the archaeological park to understand the actions taken by the two individuals who were facing their last moments, reconstructing the scenario and the room furnishings.

Experts speculate that the victims took refuge in the cubicle while waiting for the ash and lava to stop. They said while the pumice filled the next-door living room, the bedroom remained clear of it as its windows were closed.

However, the volcanic rock and dust blocked them from opening the door, preventing them from escaping, and they eventually died due to the incoming lava.

Check out the video above for a closer look at the recent discovery.

Video editor • Theo Farrant

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