The Bodies of the Pompeii
In AD 79 the eruption of Mount Vesuvius effectively wiped out the Roman town of Pompeii. Volcanic ash and pumice rained down on the town for about 18 hours (to depths of 8-10 feet); many roofs collapsed under the weight. This was followed by explosive superheated pyroclastic clouds of toxic gas and debris that came in six surges. Pompeii was completely covered and remained hidden for over 1600 years.
Why were they made?When the city was discovered eventually its citizens were found with it along with many artefacts but they were only skeletal remains. However archaeologists discovered hollow spaces within the hardened volcanic debris and they revealed the forms of many deceased Romans. Although the bodies eventually decayed the air space they created formed a mold and the ash surrounding the mold made an imprint of the body. When the excavators realised this they filled the air pockets with plaster forming plaster mummies that captured the human tragedy of Pompeii.
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Where are they and how many are there?There are hundreds of bodies that are located throughout adding up to a total of 1150 out of about 2000 who are believed to have died within the city. This would mean the vast majority of the city fled at the first signs of volcanic activity. The building where all the plaster casts were stored was severely damaged during the Second World War and they are now located in several places throughout the city. This includes The Garden of the Fugitives, Porta Nocera, the Boscoreale Antiquarium, the Stabian Thermal Baths, the Villa of the Mysteries and many more
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