Two plaster casts of victims of the Vesuvius eruption in Pompeii. Shutterstock/BlackMac
Posted on 03/30/2021 6:59:07 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
The catastrophic impact of Vesuvius effectively froze the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in time, like insects trapped in amber. This has provided archaeologists with unique insights into the lives of those living in the shadow of the volcano thousands of years ago. The opportunity to actually walk around an ancient city, almost as it was, allows us to connect with our past in tangible ways.
The scientific study of the remains of victims of Vesuvius are, however, not without controversy. Until very recently, the prevailing theory was that the heat and force of the pyroclastic flow pouring out of Vesuvius caused the soft tissues to instantly vaporise...
Work at Pompeii and Herculaneum has shown the temperatures experienced following the eruption were around 300°C-400°C, certainly not as hot as in a cremation. Other recent research has also suggested fragments of brain and neurological tissues were preserved at Herculaneum. As exciting as this sounds, the evidence is actually rather inconclusive due to a lack of data, unusual protein preservation and insufficient reference to previously published work.
Bodies do change significantly when burned. Skin dehydrates and then splits to reveal the deeper tissues. The body is pulled into the famed “pugilistic pose” – like the contorted plaster cast figures created from the cooled ash of the Pompeii victims.
(Excerpt) Read more at theconversation.com ...
Two plaster casts of victims of the Vesuvius eruption in Pompeii. Shutterstock/BlackMac
I’m guessing it cooks.
In Herculaneum, the skulls, uh, exploded.
BBC - Life and Death in Herculaneum ( Prof. Wallace-Hadrill )
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_wfTPdp3_k
...like in a microwave oven. Not that I’ve ever heard of that happening either. Just seems reasonable.
So I have questions
How long did the heat last? I always think of the pyroclastic flow as a quick wave.
How were there so many looking like they were gasping, seated, clasping, holding, not in the fighting position?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=o66WfTmdeRE
Check out the host of videos at link..many have subtitles...they are a fascinating look at Herculaneum .
They die a horrible painful death?
L
They burn up real crispy like.
That’s what happens when you don’t poke holes in them...
,
Yeah, I thought that it was common sense, too. But it appears they need another few years and a couple million dollars to confirm that.
Now we know what to expect next time! Yay!
Thanks, that was a great video!
Yeah. Most likely. That’d be my guess.
Maybe I should put in for a gazillion dollar grant and see what I can come with.
Do you know something we don’t? I’m constantly watching the live video wondering what would happen if suddenly it all goes boom.
I hate getting caught in a volcanic eruption.
Oooo, Oooo, Mr. Kotter! I know the answer to that question!
They die!
.
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