Researchers have utilized ancient DNA to challenge long-standing views about the inhabitants of Pompeii. The DNA findings revealed surprising differences in gender and familial relationships that contradict the physical traits observed, reshaping the historical narrative that has persisted since 1748. Additionally, the genetic evidence highlighted the diverse nature of the Roman Empire, showing that the majority of Pompeii’s residents descended from eastern Mediterranean immigrants.
Scholars from the University of Florence, Harvard University, and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig have turned to ancient DNA to question traditional interpretations of Pompeii’s population. The DNA analysis uncovered unexpected differences in gender and kinship, leading to a revision of the narrative established since 1748. Furthermore, the genetic findings emphasized the multicultural essence of the Roman Empire, indicating that most Pompeians were descendants of immigrants from the eastern Mediterranean.
In 79 AD, a major eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried the Roman city of Pompeii and its residents under a thick coating of lapilli, a type of volcanic ash. Many people perished as their homes collapsed under the weight of the falling lapilli from high above. Those who survived the eruption’s initial moments later faced lethal pyroclastic flows, which wrapped around their bodies in a layer of ash, preserving them and their features for centuries.
Since the 1800s, casts have been created by pouring plaster into the spaces left by these bodies after they decomposed. The research team managed to extract DNA from the fragmented skeletal remains found in 14 out of 86 notable casts being restored. This process enabled them to accurately identify genetic connections, determine sex, and trace lineage. Interestingly, these discoveries largely contradicted earlier beliefs based solely on physical presentation and the arrangement of the casts.
Exploration of Genetic Relationships Among Victims
“This study demonstrates how genetic analysis can enrich the narratives drawn from archaeological findings,” said Professor David Caramelli, from the Department of Anthropology at the University of Florence. “The results challenge persistent ideas, such as linking jewelry to femininity or using spatial proximity as a marker of family ties.” Additionally, Caramelli pointed out, “the evidence from genetics complicates straightforward kinship stories. For instance, at the House of the Golden Bracelet, where we have genetic information from multiple people, the four individuals thought to be a set of parents and their children were found to be genetically unrelated.”
“The scientific evidence we present does not always fit common beliefs,” stated David Reich from Harvard University. “For example, we found that an adult with a golden bracelet holding a child, previously interpreted as a mother and her child, were actually an unrelated male adult and a child. Similarly, a pair once believed to be sisters or mother and daughter included at least one male genetically. Such results challenge established assumptions about gender and family connections.”
The Cosmopolitan Aspect of the Roman Empire
The genetic data also shed light on the ancestry of the Pompeians, who exhibited varied genetic backgrounds. The evidence that they were mainly descended from recent immigrants from the eastern Mediterranean underscores the cosmopolitan character of the Roman Empire.
“Our discoveries have crucial implications for interpreting archaeological data and understanding ancient civilizations,” remarked Alissa Mittnik from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. “These findings highlight the necessity of merging genetic insights with archaeological and historical data to prevent misinterpretations rooted in contemporary biases. This research also emphasizes the diverse and cosmopolitan makeup of Pompeii’s demographic, mirroring broader patterns of migration and cultural exchanges within the Roman Empire.”
“Furthermore, the use of these casts for storytelling may have led previous restorers to alter the positions and postures of the figures,” added David Caramelli. “The integration of genetic data with other bioarchaeological techniques offers us a more profound understanding of the lives and experiences of the victims of the Vesuvius eruption.”
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director of the Pompeii Park, noted, “For years, the Pompeii Park has been incorporating ancient DNA analysis into its research protocols, not just for human remains, but also for animal remains.” He elaborated that the Park oversees a variety of research initiatives through its laboratory, including isotopic analysis, diagnostics, geology, volcanology, and notably, reverse engineering. He emphasized that “all of these factors collectively contribute to a thorough and updated interpretation of archaeological evidence. These endeavors are transforming Pompeii into a pioneering ground for developing new methodologies, resources, and scientific comparisons.” Zuchtriegel concluded: “This study represents a significant shift in perspective, positioning the site itself as a central player in advancing archaeology and scholarly research.”
