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Secrets of Pompeii

Scientists are discovering more about an ancient city destroyed by a volcano nearly 2,000 years ago.

As You Read, Think About: What makes Pompeii unique?

Jim McMahon/Mapman®

Pompeii (pahm-PAY) was once a busy city in what is now Southern Italy. Then one day in the year 79 A.D., everything changed. A nearby volcano called Mount Vesuvius (veh-SOO-vee-uhs) suddenly roared to life. A giant cloud of ash, stones, and toxic gases exploded into the sky. Thousands of people ran for their lives.

Within 24 hours, the city was swallowed by a deadly mixture of hot gases, ash, and rocks. When the ash cooled, it hardened like concrete. Pompeii was buried—lost without a trace for centuries.

Fast-forward to 1748. That’s when archaeologists began to dig up the ruins of Pompeii. They were amazed to find that the ash that buried Pompeii also preserved the city. It was like finding buried treasure.

The excavation has slowly continued for more than 250 years. Homes, shops, and hundreds of artifacts have been uncovered in almost perfect condition. New discoveries continue to provide clues about Pompeii and its people.

Pompeii (pahm-PAY) was once a busy city. It was located in what is now Southern Italy. But everything changed in one day. It was in the year 79 A.D. A nearby volcano called Mount Vesuvius (veh-SOO-vee-uhs) suddenly roared to life. A giant cloud of ash, stones, and toxic gases exploded into the sky. Thousands of people ran for their lives.

Within 24 hours, the city was swallowed by a deadly mixture of hot gases, ash, and rocks. When the ash cooled, it hardened like concrete. Pompeii was buried. It was lost without a trace for centuries.

Fast-forward to 1748. That’s when archaeologists began to dig up the ruins of Pompeii. They were amazed at what they found. The ash that buried Pompeii also preserved the city. It was like finding buried treasure.

The excavation has slowly continued. It has been going on for more than 250 years. Homes, shops, and hundreds of artifacts have been uncovered. They’re in almost perfect condition. New discoveries continue to provide clues about Pompeii and its people.

AGENZIA SINTESI/Alamy Stock Photo 

Scientists have created casts of more than 1,000 people in Pompeii.

Frozen in Time

Most ancient cities were abandoned long before they were discovered. But Pompeii was full of activity when Vesuvius erupted. Archaeologist Steven Ellis says that makes the site unique.

“You get to see a city that was still pulsing with life,” he says. Ellis has spent more than 20 years studying Pompeii.

For example, researchers have found pots with traces of food still left inside. They’ve also discovered graffiti painted onto buildings, including messages between friends. Some experts compare them to today’s social media posts.

Archaeologists have learned a lot about Pompeii’s victims too. After the eruption, ash hardened around their bodies. The bodies rotted, leaving hollow shells. Scientists filled the shells with plaster, creating casts that show people’s final moments.

Most ancient cities were abandoned long before they were discovered. But Pompeii was full of activity when Vesuvius erupted. Archaeologist Steven Ellis says that makes the site unique. 

“You get to see a city that was still pulsing with life,” he says. Ellis has spent more than 20 years studying Pompeii. 

For example, researchers have found pots with traces of food still left inside. They’ve also discovered graffiti painted onto buildings. Some of the art shows messages between friends. Some experts compare them to today’s social media posts.

Archaeologists have learned a lot about Pompeii’s victims too. After the eruption, ash hardened around their bodies. The bodies rotted. This left hollow shells. Scientists filled the shells with plaster to create casts of the bodies. The casts show people’s final moments.

Parco Archeologico di Pompei via AP Images

This table was discovered in the home of a middle-class family in Pompeii.

Inside Their Homes

Ellis says archaeologists have long been fascinated by Pompeii’s wealthy residents. Scientists have found mansions filled with sparkling jewels and paintings called frescoes. But researchers are now focusing on the lives of ordinary citizens.

Last year, they excavated several rooms inside the home of a middle-class family. In a bedroom, they found the remains of a simple cot and pillow. The home also had a small storage room. Its floor was made of earth.

Researchers say these findings provide key details about how some people in Pompeii lived. It also shows how their lives differed from those of upper-class residents.

Archaeologists have long been fascinated by Pompeii’s wealthy residents. Scientists have found mansions filled with sparkling jewels. The homes also had paintings called frescoes. But researchers are now focusing on the lives of ordinary citizens. 

Last year, they excavated several rooms inside the home of a middle-class family. In a bedroom, they found the remains of a simple cot and pillow. The home also had a small storage room. Its floor was made of earth. 

Researchers say these findings provide key details about how some people in Pompeii lived. It also shows how their lives differed from those of upper-class residents.

More to Discover

DeAgostini/Getty Images

The person baking this bread likely fled in a hurry. The loaf was found preserved in the oven of a Pompeii bakery.

Ellis says we’ll likely learn even more about Pompeii in the coming years. After all, about one-third of the city is still covered by up to 20 feet of rock and dirt.

“You walk over it, and you know that underneath your feet, there’s still so much that future generations will be able to discover,” Ellis says.

Ellis says we’ll likely learn even more about Pompeii in the coming years. After all, about one-third of the city is still buried. It’s covered by up to 20 feet of rock and dirt.

“You walk over it, and you know that underneath your feet, there’s still so much that future generations will be able to discover,” Ellis says.

1. Explain what happened to the city of Pompeii when Mount Vesuvius erupted.

2. Why is Pompeii a unique archaeological site?

3. Why does the author say there is “more to discover” in Pompeii?

1. Explain what happened to the city of Pompeii when Mount Vesuvius erupted.

2. Why is Pompeii a unique archaeological site?

3. Why does the author say there is “more to discover” in Pompeii?

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