Archaeologists have discovered signs indicating that four individuals, one being a child, in the historic Roman city of Pompeii utilized furnishings to barricade a bedroom doorway and protect themselves from the volcanic explosion of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79.
In conclusion, the house served as their ultimate resting location, as indicated by new findings released in April in the
Online Journal of the Pompeii Excavation
.
In the midst of the devastating eruption, the volcano released scorching, deadly fumes and ashes into the sky, gradually claiming the lives of much of the city’s inhabitants. The town was subsequently blanketed with layers of ash and a type of volcanic rock known as pumice, which strikingly preserved the final instants of those who perished for thousands of years.
The excavation crew uncovered this find during their exploration of the House of Helle and Phrixus, which was dubbed after a mythological artwork discovered within the residence.
Between 2018 and 2019, researchers conducted an initial examination of the house’s front areas. However, the team responsible for this latest research returned to the location in recent years, uncovering one-third of the structure as part of their efforts to prepare it for restoration and eventual public access. This was stated by Gabriel Zuchtriegel, who directs the Archaeological Park of Pompeii.
“Exploring and touring Pompeii involves confronting both the splendor of art and the fragility of human existence,” stated Zuchtriegel.
The inquiry has also uncovered that the residence was undergoing renovations at the time of the eruption. Interestingly, the artwork that gives the house its name actually reflects the unfortunate occurrences that took place inside, according to the researchers.
A moment captured eternally
In the course of the excavation, the group discovered an atrium featuring a water catchment basin, a sumptuously adorned banqueting hall, a chamber equipped with a skylight designed for collecting rainfall, as well as a bedroom.
During the initial stages of the eruption, small pieces of volcanic material likely showered down through the vent, raining debris onto those below. This compelled the occupants within the house to hurriedly move towards the bedroom and barricade the entrance using a bed as protection against the falling particles.
However, as the consequences of the eruption persisted, the scientists think that the residents retreated the bedding away from the entrance in an effort to flee.
The bodies of the Pompeiians were discovered in the dining room.
“The entry of the initial pyroclastic flow into the ancient city or the potential collapse of portions of the top floors might have led to the demise of the four individuals,” according to the study.
Pyroclastic clouds, which consist of a thick blend of ash, gas, and rocks ejected during a volcanic explosion, led to a scorching surge of material filling the house, according to Zuchtriegel. After detecting empty spaces where the bed frame had disintegrated, the group created an impression of the mattress by injecting plaster into those cavities to maintain its form.
He pointed out that this scene is merely one among numerous instances highlighting the fear and torment endured by Pompeii’s inhabitants as they tried to find safety.
Numerous individuals sought refuge in tiny chambers within structures, likely due to their perception of increased safety compared to open spaces vulnerable to falling volcanic debris,” explained Zuchtriegel. “In just the past year, we uncovered several remains of people who had blocked themselves inside the confined entryway of The House of the Painters at Work. By sealing off both ends of the corridor, they apparently thought and wished for protection.
In the Chamber of the Thiasus, a youth and an elderly lady shut the window and door of a tiny room to shield themselves, but ended up getting trapped inside.
“Despite this, several hours after the eruption began, the victims found themselves trapped as the pumice piled up externally, sealing off all possible exit routes had they chosen to run,” Zuchtriegel stated.
A tragic echo
In the dwelling where the four individuals studied passed away, an inner wall in the dining room features a mural depicting Phrixus and his sister Helle from Greek mythology. According to legend, Helle and Phrixus flee their cruel stepmother Ino aboard a ram adorned with golden wool. However, during their flight, Helle plunges into a section of water; this body of water came to be called Hellespont following her—today it is recognized as either the Dardanelles or the Strait of Gallipoli located in Turkey.
The mural depicts the instance where Helle extends her hand to Phrixus seeking assistance.
The old tale probably had lost all of its religious significance for the inhabitants of Pompeii and was used primarily as ornamentation and a symbol of prestige, according to Zuchtriegel. However, looking back now, it reflects the dire circumstances endured by those who were caught inside the house when the volcano erupted.
“He mentioned in an email, ‘The finding of a small cluster of people within this household seemed to be holding onto the same glimmer of hope for survival amidst horror and tragedy as Helle does in the mural that gives the house its name; she tries futilely to grasp hold of her twin brother,’ ” he explained via email.
When we dig up artifacts, every discovery feels like a revelation,” Zuchtriegel noted. “In Pompeii, these revelations often appear as pieces and hints that reveal intimate tales yet simultaneously illuminate the communal impact of tragedy and catastrophe alongside the hopes and dreams of the people who lived there.
Pompeii’s distinctive homes
The elimination of thresholds, absent ornaments, and sections of carved stonework at the entryway indicate that the house has been under renovation; however, this disturbance wasn’t severe enough to prevent inhabitants from continuing their lives inside or using it as shelter during the volcanic outburst. Additionally, the dwelling remained filled with sophisticated furnishings and maintained an elaborate decor, according to Zuchtriegel.
Along with the human remains, the archaeologists discovered a bronze bulla, which is an amulet typically worn by young males as a protective charm until they come of age.
Amphorae—two-handled containers used for holding liquids—were discovered in what had functioned as a pantry within a cellar. Among these amphorae were some filled with garum, an aromatic fish sauce widely used during that era. Additionally, archaeologists unearthed a collection of bronze utensils, such as a shell-shaped drinking vessel, a basketwork-style vase, a spoon, and a one-handed pitcher.
Every home in Pompeii stands out,” Zuchtriegel stated. “Each one boasts distinctive features, singular embellishments, and an exclusive collection of items showcasing the specific preferences and inclinations—as well as the successes and inevitable setbacks—of its former inhabitants. The House of Helle and Phrixus might have been modest in size, yet it featured stunning frescoes that underscored the residents’ aspirations for upward mobility within societal ranks; however, this also meant being cautious about maintaining their standing.
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Four individuals doomed themselves as they searched for refuge from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
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