Discovery of Herculaneum bodies and skeletal remains in the wake of 79 AD

Herculaneum bodies

Same eruption, different outcomes: Vesuvius’ outburst on Herculaneum was a stark contrast to its aftermath in Pompeii. In Herculaneum, a debris cloud assumed to be around 815℃ enveloped the town in a pyroclastic surge. Mud, gas and hot ash sped towards Herculaneum. Successive pyroclastic flows like this covered the city in layers of ash, blanketing everything in its wake. In a matter of minutes, life came to a standstill. Paradoxically, the pyroclastic flows that snuffed the life out of Herculaneum also led to its incredible preservation, with some structures being buried to a height of a three-storeyed building.

While in Pompeii the people were smothered by ash and pumice stones, with some bodies ending up entombed in casts by calcified ash, only skeletons remained in Herculaneum.

The deadly heat

Scientists believe that the intense heat from the eruption caused spontaneous reflexes in the victims, resulting in thermal-induced body contractions, or tight clenching of limbs and muscles. The heat may have also caused fractures and skull explosions, leaving blackened traces on victims’ bones. It is assumed that the body reacts this way at temperatures exceeding 400-500℃. The resulting thermal shock vaporized their bodies, killing them instantly. Many bones found here are also reddish in color, indicating the blood that leached out of the bodies of the victims. However, these processes happened very rapidly, and people were not likely to feel the destruction at each stage. Later, hot ash would preserve the skeletons of the victims.

Gruesome last moments

The Herculaneum boathouse skeletons paint a gruesome picture of the victims’ last moments. Among the bodies was found a mother comforting her young son, and a ‘Lady with the rings’, so called because of the rings and precious jewels found around her. There was also the remains of a pregnant mother, with the tiny bones of her seven-month-old fetus beneath her. The skeleton of a man clutching a small leather bag (believed to hold his valuable items) was also found.  

The (failed) rescue mission

The remains of an officer conducting a rescue mission were also found in Herculaneum. He was believed to have been sent by historian and naval commander, Pliny the Elder. Evidence pointing to his high rank lies in the discovery of his dagger, gold coins, and decorated gold and silver belt. He also possessed a bag of tools, indicating that he was trained in carpentry. Unfortunately, his mission did not achieve fruition.