New DNA evidence rewrites long-told stories of people in ancient Pompeii

The ancient city of Pompeii was buried in a volcanic eruption, preserving the last moments of its citizens in stone. Recent DNA evidence challenges previous interpretations of plaster casts made of their bodies, revealing that assumptions about relationships and identities were incorrect. Researchers extracted genetic material from skeletal remains to determine sex, ancestry, and relationships between victims. The study showed that the victims were male and not related, highlighting the diversity of backgrounds among Pompeii citizens. This research, along with previous genome sequencing, is providing a clearer picture of life in ancient Pompeii.