New DNA evidence from bodies buried at Pompeii forces us to rethink the history of the people who lived there. Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, spewing a massive layer of ash and sediment, creating ideal conditions to capture dozens of bodies in their dying states. Archaeologists used these prints to create replicas of the victims, and stories about those who died in more memorable poses have appeared in books and Hollywood movies.
One of the most famous plaster models shows an adult embracing a child in an apparently loving embrace. Previously known as the “Two Virgins”, this statue was believed to depict a dying mother with her daughter in her arms.
But new genomic analysis revealed that the larger body actually belonged to a male who was not genetically related to the child, the Daily Mail reported. The research team said their analysis clearly refutes “the stories that have been circulating around these people for a long time.”
Scientists have a sensational new theory: “They were servants or slaves, or the children could have been the children of servants or slaves living in the house,” says Alyssa Mittnick from the Max Planck Institute. “But of course we don’t know and can’t tell who these people are and how they interact with each other,” he added.
The researchers focused on 14 casts that had been restored by extracting DNA from fragmented skeletal remains. They hoped to determine gender, ancestry and genetic connections among the disaster’s victims.
The team found that ancient humans descended from ancestors who migrated to the region from Eastern Mediterranean and North African populations, which may have included central and eastern Turkey, Sardinia, Lebanon and Italy. They also managed to partially reconstruct the people’s appearance, discovering that one had black hair and dark skin, while the other two had brown eyes.
Archaeologists said they still need to do more genetic research to fully understand Pompeii’s past. “Our results have important implications for the interpretation of archaeological data and the understanding of ancient societies,” Mittnick said.
Let us also remind you that the first short messages “printed” by human beings 6000 years ago were recently discovered. Read the details here.
Source: People Talk
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
