79 AD
High-temperature pyroclastic flow from Mount Vesuvius
2000 people
Plaster
From well-preserved streets to everyday objects, here’s what you’ll find:
See the haunting plaster casts of Pompeii’s residents, frozen in their final moments. These casts provide an intimate look at daily Roman life before the eruption.
📍 Where to find them:
Pompeii offers an unparalleled glimpse into ancient Roman life through its remarkably preserved objects.
📍 What you can see & where:
Walk through original Roman streets and visit intact structures that have survived for nearly 2,000 years.
📍 Notable sites to explore:
A woman was found lying in the middle of a narrow street. People often referred to her as the pregnant woman, but that might have just been an illusion caused by the way her clothes were gathered.
Yes, archaeologists believe that there are still undiscovered skeletal remains in Pompeii. Excavations are ongoing, and new human remains continue to be found in unexcavated areas or beneath layers of volcanic ash and debris.
No, the recovered bodies include people from various social classes. While some remains belong to wealthier individuals, evidenced by jewelry and lavish homes, many were common citizens, slaves, and workers who were unable to escape the eruption.
Volcanic events like the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD cause rapid exposure to extreme heat, which can vaporize soft tissues instantly. Bodies were often encased in volcanic ash, preserving voids where the remains decomposed, allowing modern archaeologists to create plaster casts of the victims.
Yes, Mount Vesuvius is still an active volcano and considered one of the most dangerous in the world due to its proximity to densely populated areas. While it is closely monitored, an eruption could occur in the future, making it a potential threat.