**Ancient DNA Upends Long-Held Assumptions About Pompeii Victims**

Recent DNA analysis has shed new light on the identities of individuals who perished during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, challenging longstanding beliefs about their genetic relationships, ancestry, and gender. The eruption unleashed lethal gases and ash over the Roman city of Pompeii, killing most of its residents and preserving their remains in volcanic rock and ash, effectively creating a time capsule.

Excavations of Pompeii initially began in 1748, but significant developments occurred in 1863 when archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli devised a technique to make plaster casts of the victims by pouring liquid chalk into the voids left by decomposed bodies. This method immortalized 104 individuals, including an adult wearing a bracelet and holding a child, presumed to be a mother and her offspring. However, modern research leveraging ancient DNA has debunked such narratives.

A recent study published in the journal *Current Biology* involved researchers extracting DNA from bone fragments within these plaster casts. The endeavor revealed that previously assumed familial connections, such as those between siblings or parents and children, were incorrect. For example, the presumed mother-child pair turned out to be an unrelated adult male and child.

The DNA analysis has not only altered researchers' understanding of Pompeii's population demographics but also questioned ingrained assumptions about gender roles and relationships. This comprehensive study involved experts from various institutions, including Harvard University and the University of Florence, and was supported by the Archaeological Park of Pompeii.

By examining bone fragments and teeth from damaged casts, researchers identified significant details about the individuals found within prominent sites such as the House of the Golden Bracelet, the House of the Cryptoporticus, and the Villa of the Mysteries. This genetic "snapshot" of ancient Pompeii offers a profound glimpse into the lives of those who lived during the Roman Empire.

The findings paint a more complex picture of the Pompeii population, underscoring the importance of scientific rigor in unraveling historical narratives. Despite romanticized tales of sacrifice and familial bonds, the reality is far more nuanced. The team’s work continues, aiming to deepen our understanding of genetic diversity in ancient Pompeii.