Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery about the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Researchers from Roma Tre University in Italy found evidence that the volcano’s ash cloud turned the brains of victims into glass-like material, a phenomenon known as vitrification. The analysis of a skull fragment found at the archaeological site of Herculaneum revealed dark-coloured organic glass formed inside the brain.
According to the study, the victim was likely killed while lying in bed due to extreme temperatures exceeding 510C caused by the super-heated ash cloud. This is the first time such an event has been documented in human tissue. The protection provided by the skull and spine bones allowed for the formation of unique organic glass fragments.
The discovery provides crucial insight into the final moments of victims at Herculaneum and Pompeii, where more than 2,000 bodies have been unearthed. Archaeologists are now able to study the aftermath of the eruption with incredible detail due to the preservation of ash and pumice over time. This breakthrough sheds new light on one of history’s most devastating natural disasters.
Source: https://www.gbnews.com/science/archaeology-breakthrough-mount-vesuvius-eruption