When I first visited Pompeii in 1996, the prevailing theory was that the population died due to suffocation by falling ash. However, a study published only a few years ago gave compelling proof that the town’s inhabitants died when a surge of hot gas over 475 degrees F passed over the town--causing near instant death. Recent excavations found masses of bodies at what was once the sea port--apparently the many waiting at the port to be evacuated by sea.
After death, the bodies of the inhabitants were immediately covered in thick ash. Over the eons, the bodies disintegrated, but leaving voids in the ash. Archaeologists exploring the site came upon the voids and filled them with liquid plaster, which dried and was excavated. The impressions showed with ghastly detail the positions and even facial grimaces of the some of those inhabitants lost to the disaster--even a dog trying to escape from the rope that tied it down and prevented its escape.
Nearly 2000 years later, the town provides the world an amazingly well-preserved view of Roman art, architecture and culture. However, that gift to us was given with a heavy price by those many souls who lost their lives so horrifically.
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