Pompeii: DNA rewrites the history of victims of the eruption

In 79 AD, Vesuvius unleashed one of its most catastrophic eruptions, burying the Roman city of Pompeii and its inhabitants under a thick layer of pumice and ash. Many Pompeiians were killed when the weight of falling pumice caused roofs to collapse, while others, who initially survived, succumbed to pyroclastic flows that enveloped and encased their bodies in compact ash deposits, preserving their forms.

A new study of ancient DNA extracted from skeletal remains encased in the iconic plaster casts—created by pouring plaster into the voids left by these bodies—offers a transformative perspective on the history of the city rediscovery in 1748. Published in Current Biology and led by the University of Florence, Harvard University, and the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig, under the scientific auspices of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, the DNA evidence challenges long-standing assumptions about the sex, familial relationships, and social dynamics of the individuals depicted in these casts ("Ancient DNA Challenges Prevailing Interpretations of the Pompeii Plaster Casts," https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.10.007).

The researchers were able to extract DNA from the skeletal remains, even though they were badly fragmented and mixed with plaster, obtaining it from 14 out of the 86 casts that were undergoing restoration at the time. The analysis effectively determined genetic links, gender, and ancestry. The findings significantly contradict previous interpretations based solely on the physical appearance and positioning of the casts.

“This study,” remarked David Caramelli, Professor of Anthropology at the University of Florence, “demonstrates how genetic analysis can profoundly enrich narratives derived from archaeological data. These discoveries challenge long-held interpretations, such as associating jewellery with femininity or assuming physical proximity as an indicator of biological relationships. Similarly,” Caramelli continued, “genetic data complicate straightforward kinship narratives: in the House of the Golden Bracelet, the only site with genetic data from multiple individuals, the four people traditionally interpreted as a nuclear family—a couple and their two children—are not genetically related.”

David Reich of Harvard University added, “Our scientific data do not always align with established assumptions. A notable example is the discovery that an adult wearing a gold bracelet and the child they were holding—traditionally assumed to be a mother and child—were in fact an unrelated adult male and a child. Similarly, a pair previously thought to be sisters or mother and daughter includes at least one genetic male. These findings challenge traditional interpretations.”

The genetic data also shed light on the ancestry of Pompeiians, revealing diverse genomic backgrounds. Most notably, the study identified recent immigrants from the Eastern Mediterranean as a significant part of Pompeii’s population, highlighting the cosmopolitan nature of the Roman Empire.

“Our findings have significant implications for interpreting archaeological data and understanding ancient societies,” commented Alissa Mittnik of the Max Planck Institute in Leipzig. “They underscore the importance of integrating genetic data with archaeological and historical evidence to avoid misinterpretations based on modern assumptions. This research also highlights the diversity and cosmopolitan character of Pompeii’s population, reflecting broader patterns of mobility and cultural exchange in the Roman Empire.”

 David Caramelli also noted that “the use of casts as storytelling vehicles may have led to manipulation of their poses and placement by restorers in the past. Genetic data, alongside other bioarchaeological approaches, provide an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the lives and behaviours of those who perished in the Vesuvius eruption.”

Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, emphasised, “Ancient DNA analysis has long been part of Pompeii’s study protocols—not only for human victims but also for animal remains. The Park also coordinates research projects on isotopic analysis, diagnostics, geology, volcanology, and even reverse engineering through its internal laboratory.

All of this contributes to a more comprehensive and modern interpretation of archaeological findings. Moreover, Pompeii itself is evolving into a true laboratory for developing new methodologies, resources, and scientific dialogues. In this light, this study represents a pivotal shift in perspective, transforming the site into a resource at the service of archaeology and research.”