New discoveries at Pompeii have revealed that some survivors of the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD returned to live in the city, but under precarious conditions. Archaeologists found evidence of an informal settlement where people resided without basic infrastructure and services.
Despite the massive destruction caused by the eruption, which claimed around 15-20% of Pompeii’s population, some individuals were able to return to the city. They joined others seeking a place to settle and hoping to find valuable items left behind by earlier residents in the rubble.
The reoccupied area featured converted cellars with ovens and mills on the former ground floors, while upper floors remained inhabited. The new excavations have provided clearer insights into this period of Pompeii’s history, revealing it as an informal settlement that resembled a camp or favela among recognizable ruins.
These findings come after recent discoveries, including life-sized statues, paintings depicting Dionysus, and a large private bathhouse. The site continues to yield significant archaeological finds, shedding new light on the city’s past. Pompeii remains one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting over 4 million visitors annually.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pompeii-vesuvius-eruption-survivors-reoccupation-precarious-conditions