Pompeii

Found this interesting and yes, I fact checked it. Hope you enjoy this historic tidbit :-) Did you know that, contrary to what many people believe, the "human remains" in Pompeii were not petrified bodies, but rather plaster casts made from decomposing bodies found in volcanic ash? This fascinating revelation challenges common notions about the Pompeii tragedy. This technique is called decal! What many imagine to be bodies petrified by the heat and ashes of Vesuvius in the 79 A.D. eruption were actually empty left by decomposing victims. As time passed and bodies deteriorated, the cavity left behind by the body remained, creating a hollow space in the shape of the person. In the 19th century, during excavations in Pompeii, archaeologists had an innovative idea: to fill these cavities with liquid plaster. When the plaster dried, it revealed the exact shape of the victims at the time of their death. This allowed researchers and the general public to see impressive details, such as people's final positions, their clothes, and even facial expressions. These plaster sculptures, or casts of bodies, offer a vivid glimpse into the final hours of the victims of Pompeii. These moldings offer a unique window into the tragedy that unfolded in that ancient city nearly two millennia ago. They remind us of the ephemeral nature of life and the rapid devastation caused by natural disasters, while highlighting the remarkable ability of archaeologists to preserve and share the history of Pompeii with the world. Therefore, next time you see a striking image of a "petrified body" in Pompeii, remember that what you are seeing is actually an expertly shaped testimony to the tragedy, a tangible representation of a tragic moment in ancient history.