Pompeii ancient DNA sheds new light on its people
Researchers from the University of Florence, Harvard University, and the Max Planck Institute have used ancient DNA to challenge long-standing assumptions about the people of Pompeii. The groundbreaking study reveals unexpected variations in gender, kinship, and ancestry, rewriting the story of the Roman city that was buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
The eruption of Vesuvius preserved Pompeii’s residents under layers of ash and volcanic matter, leaving behind casts of their bodies that were created by pouring plaster into the voids left by decayed remains. For centuries, these casts provided the primary insight into Pompeii’s inhabitants. However, new genetic analysis of 14 of these casts reveals a much more complex picture.
The study uncovered surprising discrepancies between the physical appearance and genetic relationships of Pompeii’s residents. For instance, what was thought to be a mother and child, based on their positioning and the presence of jewellery, was actually an unrelated adult male and a child. Similarly, individuals assumed to be sisters or a mother and daughter were found to include at least one male, challenging traditional interpretations of gender and familial roles.
“This research highlights how genetic analysis can add depth to archaeological stories, debunking long-held assumptions about kinship and gender,” Professor David Caramelli from the University of Florence notes. He points out that the residents of Pompeii were not a homogenous group, but rather part of a cosmopolitan society, with many descended from immigrants from the eastern Mediterranean.
This finding underscores the diverse and interconnected nature of the Roman Empire, where mobility and cultural exchange were common. Alissa Mittnik of the Max Planck Institute emphasises that integrating genetic data with archaeological evidence is crucial for a more accurate understanding of ancient societies. The research also hints at the potential influence of later restorers who may have altered the postures and positions of the casts.
Pompeii’s genetic revelations are helping reshape the way we interpret the past. According to Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director of the Pompeii Park, these findings represent a “true change in perspective,” positioning the site as a leader in innovative archaeological research.
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