DNA Analysis Rewrites Pompeii's History, Revealing Genetic Diversity

A study by the University of Florence, Harvard, and the Max Planck Institute of Leipzig, in collaboration with the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, has used DNA analysis from plaster casts of victims of the 79 AD Vesuvius eruption to challenge long-held assumptions. Published in Current Biology, the research examined 14 individuals, identifying sex and family ties. A pair thought to be women actually includes a man, and those in the House of the Golden Bracelet, interpreted as parents and children, show no biological links. The findings reveal genetic traits from the eastern Mediterranean, confirming Pompeii's cosmopolitan character. David Reich of Harvard noted that scientific data often contradict common hypotheses. David Caramelli of the University of Florence emphasized that ancient DNA can challenge interpretations based solely on visual archaeology. Alissa Mittnik of Max Planck stressed the importance of integrating genetic data with archaeological and historical information. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, stated that DNA analysis is now part of the research protocol, transforming Pompeii into a laboratory for new methodologies. After a record summer with over 4 million visitors, the park is implementing measures for slow, sustainable tourism, including personalized tickets starting November 15, a daily limit of 20,000 entries, and time slots in summer.