US research reveals unexpected details about the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD: some people survived the catastrophe of Pompeii and Herculaneum
The eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD it did not completely erase life a Pompeii and Herculaneum. A recent study conducted by the American historian and archaeologist Steven L. Tuck, professor of classical studies at the University of Miami, revealed that at least 200 people they survived that catastrophe. This eight-year research revealed surprising details and offered a new perspective on life after the eruption.
Evidence of survival
Steven L. Tuck conducted his research focusing on what was missing from the buried cities, rather than on what had been found. He noticed that many ‘safes’ had been emptied, the carts and horses were no longer in the stables and there was no sign of the boats.
These clues indicate that some inhabitants managed to escape before the disaster. The archaeologist presented his findings in an episode of the documentary ‘Pompeii: The New Dig‘, produced by the American network PBS, and in an article published in ‘The Conversation’.
After eight years of investigation, evidence has emerged that more than 200 people survived in 12 cities several, mainly located north of Vesuvius, beyond the borders of the area of maximum destruction. Researchers have identified their passage thanks to traces left on ancient roads, structures such as theaters and baths, and tomb inscriptions bearing the names of families.
To support his thesis, Tuck analyzed the diffusion of distinctive surnames, such as Aulus Umbricius, Popidius, Numerius and Caltilius, in the areas near Pompeii and Herculaneum. He found traces of these names on gravestones and inscriptions in twelve surrounding locations, indicating that survivors settled nearby.
The plausibility of the existence of survivors is high since the eruption occurred in such a way gradual rather than sudden. Tuck explained that lapilli began to fall from the sky, piling up on the roofs of homes and causing collapses. Although many died when roofs collapsed, there were several hours to escape. This time allowed many residents to organize an escape route, taking valuables and transportation with them.
A new light on the tragedy of Pompeii
Tuck took a detailed analysis approach remains foundcombining archaeological finds with historical records to identify surviving families. The research showed that many survivors settled in the vicinity of Pompeii, forming new communities with others who escaped the disaster. This choice was guided by the social and economic networks of their cities of origin, which provided fundamental support for their reconstruction.
Tuck studied how the survivors managed to rebuild their lives after the destruction. Evidence shows that they maintained a certain cultural continuity despite the tragedy, challenging the common perception that the eruption marked the total end for the inhabitants of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
His findings provide new perspectives on human response to natural disasters. The ability of survivors to reorganize and adapt in new communities highlights the resilience collective and the strength of human nature in overcoming catastrophes.
Steven L. Tuck’s research not only highlights survivors of the eruption of Vesuvius, but also highlights the importance of going beyond physical artifacts to better understand human dynamics during devastating historical events. This groundbreaking study continues to encourage further research, strengthening the connection between archeology and history and offering a more complete view of the Pompeii tragedy.
