Archaeologists have unearthed significant evidence indicating that people returned to live in Pompeii after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The discovery was announced by the directors of the Pompeii Archaeological Park on Wednesday, shedding light on life in the ancient city following its near-total destruction.
Despite the devastation that left Pompeii in ruins, some of the survivors, unable to afford relocation, are believed to have returned to the area. These individuals were later joined by others seeking shelter and valuable items among the rubble of the once-thriving city, which had housed more than 20,000 residents before the eruption.
Evidence of Informal Settlements
The archaeological findings suggest that the post-eruption community developed into an informal settlement characterized by precarious living conditions and lacking the infrastructure typical of a Roman city. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the archaeological site, noted that the area was ultimately abandoned by the fifth century.
In this makeshift community, some inhabitants occupied the upper floors of previously existing homes, while the ground floors transformed into cellars equipped with ovens and mills. Zuchtriegel described the reemerging picture of Pompeii as “a precarious and grey agglomeration, a kind of camp, a favela among the still recognisable ruins of the Pompeii that once was.”
Past excavations had hinted at signs of reoccupation, but many of these traces were often overlooked in the rush to access Pompeii’s famed frescoes and well-preserved homes. Zuchtriegel emphasized that “the faint traces of the site’s reoccupation were literally removed and often swept away without any documentation.”
Impact of the Eruption
The 79 AD eruption resulted in a significant loss of life, with estimates suggesting that between 15% and 20% of Pompeii’s population perished, primarily due to thermal shock caused by the intense heat and ash cloud. Volcanic ash subsequently buried the city, preserving its buildings, artifacts, and even its residents until it was rediscovered in the late 16th century.
Today, Pompeii stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting approximately 4.17 million visitors in the previous year alone. Covering an area of about 22 hectares (54.4 acres), one-third of the site still lies buried beneath layers of ash, awaiting further exploration and study.
The revelations about life after the eruption not only add depth to our understanding of Pompeii’s history but also highlight the resilience of its inhabitants in the face of overwhelming disaster.
