(RepublicanDaily.org) – The eruption at Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD remains a massively important historic event today. The volcano buried two Roman cities, Pompeii and Herculaneum, under boiling mud and lava layers, killing thousands of people. The first modern archaeologists discovered and began to excavate the two cities in the 18th century, and their work continues today.
The buried remains were recently discovered of a man who died fleeing the eruption in Herculaneum. Researchers estimate his age between 40 and 45 when he died and that he was just steps away from the sea when gas and ash from the volcano caught up to him. Experts believe the man perished instantly.
Skeleton of a man who appears to have been fleeing devastating eruption of Mt. Vesuvius discovered in new excavation work in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. https://t.co/FRi16PtXM3 pic.twitter.com/mgVW1w7pNx
— ABC News (@ABC) May 29, 2018
In the 1980s and 1990s, archaeologists found hundreds of skeletons near the coastline in the area; they may have been awaiting rescue as the eruption entered its later stages. However, the recently discovered skeleton was found by itself. Historians speculate that the man may have been attempting a lone escape, or he may have been a soldier helping the evacuation effort before getting stranded.
Pompeii and Herculaneum were once prosperous Roman urban centers. After the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, they remained forgotten for centuries.
Copyright 2021, RepublicanDaily.org
