Researchers analyzing human remains discovered genetic secrets in the bones of a man and a woman who were buried when Pompeii was overwhelmed by volcanic ash.
The
first "Pompeian human genome" consists of a nearly full set of
"genetic instructions" encoded in DNA retrieved from the victims'
bones.
In
carcasses imprisoned in time-hardened ash, ancient DNA was retained.
The
findings have been reported in Scientific Reports.
The
two persons were initially discovered in Pompeii in 1933, in a structure known
as Casa del Fabbro, or The Craftsman's House, by archaeologists.
When
the explosion happened on August 24, 79AD, they were slumped in the corner of
the dining room, almost as if they were having lunch.
When
the explosion happened on August 24, 79AD, they were slumped in the corner of
the dining room, almost as if they were having lunch. According to one recent
research, the massive cloud of ash from Mount Vesuvius' eruption might have
killed the city's residents in less than 20 minutes.
According
to anthropologist Dr Serena Viva of the University of Salento, the two victims
the researchers observed were not attempting to flee.
Dr.
Viva told BBC Radio 4's Inside Science that "from the position [of their
bodies], it appears they were not rushing away." "It's possible that
their health issues were the reason they didn't flee."
This
latest analysis of their bones has offered some clues.
"It
was all about the preservation of the skeletons," explained Prof Gabriele
Scorrano, from the Lundbeck GeoGenetics centre in Copenhagen, who led the
study. "It's the first thing we looked at, and it looked promising, so we
decided to give [DNA extraction] a shot."
Prof
Scorrano added that the scientists were able to extract a lot of information from
a "very small amount of bone powder" thanks to the exceptional
preservation and cutting-edge laboratory technologies.
"New
sequencing devices can scan many entire genomes at once," he explained.
The
man's skeleton had DNA from tuberculosis-causing germs, indicating that he may
have had the disease before his death, according to the genomic study. And near
the base of his skull, a sliver of bone held enough undamaged DNA to decipher
his whole genetic code.
This
revealed that he shared "genetic markers" - or detectable reference
points in his genetic coding - with other Roman Imperial era Italians. He did,
however, contain a collection of genes that were identified in those from the
island of Sardinia, implying that there was substantial genetic diversity
across the Italian Peninsula at the time.
Prof.
Scorrano believes that biological studies of Pompeii will yield a lot more,
including old environmental DNA, which could explain more about biodiversity at
the period.
He
went on to say, "Pompeii is like a Roman island." "We have a
photograph of a single day in the year 79AD."
Every
human body in Pompeii, according to Dr. Viva, was a "treasure."
"These
people are silent witnesses to one of the world's most famous historical
events," she explained. "Working with kids is an emotional experience
for me and a terrific privilege."
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