Archaeologists have reportedly found two bodies, believed to be victims of the eruption of the Vesuvius volcano in the ancient Roman Empire in Pompeii, about 2000 years ago, last Saturday.
The results of preliminary research made, the researchers found that the body may belong to a nobleman, aged 30 – 40 years, and his servant, aged between 18 – 23 years.
The bodies were both found in Civita Giuliana, in the basement of a villa, about 700 meters from the city center of Pompeii City.
According to a CNN report, researchers believe that the two victims tried to seek protection when the disaster occurred, based on the location of the body was found.
“These two victims were perhaps seeking refuge when they were swept away by the pyroclastic current at about 9 in the morning,” said Massimo Osanna, director of the archeological site.
“It is a death by thermal shock, as also demonstrated by their clenched feet and hands,” he added.
In a statement, Culture Minister Dario Franceschini considered the findings to be historic and Pompeii was recognized as an area of high value for research and study.
According to historical records, the City of Pompeii, located about 23 km from Naples, was inhabited by about 13,000 people when the volcanic eruption occurred, drowning the city in lava and dust.
The relics of the city were only discovered around the 16th century and excavation work only began in 1750.
Source: CNN