Butchered giraffe and glass BRAIN found in ancient treasure trove of objects buried by Mount Vesuvius 2,000 years ago
UNEARTHED
The town of Herculaneum was buried under roughly five times the amount of ash that Pompeii was
IT was an ordinary day when Mount Vesuvius plastered nearby towns in thick volcanic ash 2,000 years ago.
A treasure trove of objects was buried, each giving an insight into the lives people led.
9
9
Butchered giraffe
In the drains beneath the long-gone markets of Pompeii, archaeologists have found a rich variety of foods - from sea urchin to shellfish.
But perhaps the most exotic find was the leg joint of a butchered giraffe.
It is thought to be the only giraffe bone ever recorded from an archaeological excavation in Roman Italy, according to archaeologist Steven Ellis, who directs the University of Cincinnati's excavations at Pompeii.
The discoveries point to busy trade relationships outside of Italy.
'How part of the animal, butchered, came to be a kitchen scrap in a seemingly standard Pompeian restaurant not only speaks to long-distance trade in exotic and wild animals, but also something of the richness, variety and range of a non-elite diet," explains Ellis.
9
Glass brain
In Herculaneum, a town to the west of Mount Vesuvius, two bizarre pieces of dark-coloured glass were found inside the skulls of two individuals.
The first piece of glass suspected to be of 'organic origin' was identified in Herculaneum in 2020.
A glassy, black material was found inside the skull of a man on a wooden bed, who was buried by volcanic ash.
While the second was hunk of black glass was found earlier this year.
Experts believe these are fossilised brains, caused by the extreme heat from the short-lived ash cloud that swept through the ancient town of Herculaneum in 79CE.
Herculaneum was buried under roughly five times the amount of ash that Pompeii was.
Similarly, the second victim had also been lying on their bed when the cloud descended.
For the brain to become glass, it must have been heated to above 510°C before quickly cooling.
This is an incredibly rare process is called vitrification.
9
9
Cheeky art
The Romans' affinity for brothels, alcohol, and pornography has been well documented and discovered among the ruins of Pompeii.
Hundreds of sexually explicit works of art from Pompeii have been placed in the Secret Museum in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
These include graphic sex scenes - which experts believe could be advertisements for local brothels - as well as lots of phallic statuary, believed to bring wealth, fertility, and good luck.
Some of these pieces were so cheeky that they were deemed "pornographic" in 1821, and the museum closed the room to visitors in 1849.
The Secret Museum didn't reopen for good until 2000.
9
Graffiti
Pompeiians were politically active - and they have the graffiti to show for it.
There was an upcoming election when the city was buried by Mount Vesuvius.
Political slogans and messages of support for candidates can still be seen preserved on the walls today.
Though it wasn't just political statements being plastered around.
Last May, charcoal wall drawings were unearthed that archaeologists believe were made by children as young as five.
The drawings, which were of children's height, suggest they had attended gruesome gladiator battles in the city.
The simple etchings depict men with shields and spears fighting animals and each other.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, said children of the time would have come into contact with extreme forms of speculated violence.
This includes the frequent executions of criminals and slaves.
"We came to the conclusion that in all likelihood the drawings of the gladiators and hunters were made on the basis of a direct vision and not from pictorial models," he said in a statement at the time.
"Probably one or more of the children who played in this courtyard, among the kitchens, latrine and flowerbeds for growing vegetables, had witnessed fights in the amphitheatre."
9
Surgical tools
Archaeologists have also recovered surgical instruments from Pompeii - which paint a squeamish picture of medical practices in 79 AD.
Medical tools have been found in various parts of the excavated city, but most most were found at a structure known as the House of the Surgeon.
While the Romans had not yet developed germ theory, many of the tools were made of copper alloys.
Copper has antimicrobial properties - meaning the tools may have prevented infections.
The destruction of Pompeii – what happened in 79 AD?
Pompeii was an ancient Roman city near modern Naples, in the Campania region of Italy.
It was destroyed, along with the Roman town of Herculaneum and many villas in the surrounding area, and buried under volcanic ash in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
The violent explosion killed the city's inhabitants, with the site lost for around 1,500 years until its initial rediscovery in 1599 and broader rediscovery almost 150 years after that.
The thermal energy released from Vesuvius was said to be a hundred thousand times that of the nuclear blasts at Hiroshima-Nagasaki.
The remains beneath the city have been preserved for more than a millenium due to the lack of air and moisture in the ground.
During excavations, plaster was injected into the voids in the ash layers that once held human bodies, allowing scientists to recreate their exact poses at the time of their deaths.
Mount Vesuvius is arguably the most dangerous volcano on earth.
It had been inactive for almost a century before roaring back into life and destroying Pompeii.
Since then, it has exploded around three dozen more times – most recently in 1944 – and stands in close proximity to three million people.
Although its current status is dormant, Vesuvius is an 'extremely active' and unpredictable volcano, according to experts.
To this day, scientists are finding cultural, architectural and human remains on the banks of Mount Vesuvius.
Excavations at thermal baths in Pompeii's ruins in February revealed the skeleton of a crouching child who perished in the 79 AD eruption.
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Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Title of scroll burnt to a crisp by Mt Vesuvius 2,000 years ago finally read by AI – & we even know who wrote them
The University of Oxford's Bodleian Library holds a number of the scrolls, which have been left untouched for decades CHARRED SECRETS Title of scroll burnt to a crisp by Mt Vesuvius 2,000 years ago finally read by AI – & we even know who wrote them Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RESEARCHERS have deciphered the title and author of a charred scroll destroyed by the Mount Vesuvius eruption 2,000 years ago. The tightly bound scroll cannot be opened since its delicate, burnt pages would only fall apart. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The scroll was discovered in Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town that was buried under the massive volcanic fallout from Mount Vesuvius Credit: Vesuvius Challenge 6 After 'virtually unwrapping' scroll PHerc. 172, researchers discovered it was titled On Vices by the Greek philosopher Philodemus Credit: Vesuvius Challenge 6 The text offered ancient Romans guidance for cultivating a virtuous life, according to researchers Credit: Vesuvius Challenge 6 The University of Oxford's Bodleian Library holds a number of the scrolls, which have been left untouched for decades Credit: Vesuvius Challenge Therefore, researchers have used a cutting-edge technique hinging on artificial intelligence (AI) to reveal the lost text. The scroll was discovered in Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town that was buried under the massive volcanic fallout from Mount Vesuvius. After 'virtually unwrapping' scroll PHerc. 172, researchers discovered it was titled On Vices by the Greek philosopher Philodemus. The text offered ancient Romans guidance for cultivating a virtuous life, according to researchers. Philodemus, who lived between roughly 110 and 30 BCE, was an Epicurean philosopher and poet from Gadara. The University of Oxford's Bodleian Library holds a number of the scrolls, which have been left untouched for decades. But recent advancements in technology have allowed the scrolls to be 3D reconstructed with powerful X-ray beams without damaging them. Once researchers have identified each layer of the scroll, AI is used to detect the ink. The ink is digitally painted onto the scroll, for researchers to decipher. As part of an international competition, researchers have found the title and author inside of a sealed scroll for the first time. The Vesuvius Challenge awards money to all those who can help decipher the charred scrolls housed at the Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford. The Tragic History of Pompeii Researchers behind this latest feat have been awarded the Vesuvius Challenge First Title Prize, which includes prize money of $60,000. This was achieved by two parties at roughly the same time - Sean Johnson from the Vesuvius Challenge, and Marcel Roth and Micha Nowak from the University of Würzburg. The pages of the relic PHerc. 172 were first published in February, the title page had yet to be deciphered. PHerc.172 is one of roughly 800 scrolls unearthed in the Villa of the Papyri, a luxurious estate believed to have belonged to Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, Julius Caesar's father-in-law. How AI & X-rays are unravelling scroll secrets AI and X-rays are revolutionising the study of ancient scrolls by enabling researchers to virtually "unroll" and decipher texts that are too fragile to handle physically. X-rays, particularly advanced methods like X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), create highly detailed 3D scans of scrolls. These scans capture the layers of tightly wound or damaged parchment or papyrus without physically unrolling them, preserving their integrity. X-rays can also detect variations in density caused by metallic or carbon-based inks used in ancient writing. AI algorithms, particularly those using deep learning, can segment layers of text by identifying and separating individual layers of the scroll from 3D X-ray data, isolating the text for analysis. They can also recognise text by enhancing faint markings or patterns corresponding to ancient writing, often revealing characters that are invisible to the naked eye. AI algorithms can reconstruct incomplete sections as well. Machine-learning models can fill in the gaps or predict any missing text. For scrolls where X-rays detect ink differences, AI can distinguish metallic inks - typically used in later periods of history - from carbon-based inks, enabling a more detailed and context-sensitive interpretation. Advanced imaging can also track even faint remnants of ink strokes, reconstructing text in incredible detail. The villa, based in Herculaneum, was thought to house one of the finest libraries of antiquity, including works of Greek philosophy and possibly undiscovered Roman literature. The first milestone in the Vesuvius Challenge was reached in February 2024, when three students shared a $700,000 prize for reading parts of another scroll. The success of the competition has attracted tech moguls like Elon Musk, who funded later phases of the competition. 6 The scroll was discovered in Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town that was buried under the massive volcanic fallout from Mount Vesuvius Credit: Bodleian Library
Scottish Sun
04-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Butchered giraffe and glass BRAIN found in ancient treasure trove of objects buried by Mount Vesuvius 2,000 years ago
The town of Herculaneum was buried under roughly five times the amount of ash that Pompeii was UNEARTHED Butchered giraffe and glass BRAIN found in ancient treasure trove of objects buried by Mount Vesuvius 2,000 years ago IT was an ordinary day when Mount Vesuvius plastered nearby towns in thick volcanic ash 2,000 years ago. A treasure trove of objects was buried, each giving an insight into the lives people led. 9 Drinks and hot food were served in this place, with large jars placed in the richly decorated masonry counter Credit: Getty 9 Archaeologists found the leg joint of a butchered giraffe beneath ancient Pompeii markets Credit: PA Butchered giraffe In the drains beneath the long-gone markets of Pompeii, archaeologists have found a rich variety of foods - from sea urchin to shellfish. But perhaps the most exotic find was the leg joint of a butchered giraffe. It is thought to be the only giraffe bone ever recorded from an archaeological excavation in Roman Italy, according to archaeologist Steven Ellis, who directs the University of Cincinnati's excavations at Pompeii. The discoveries point to busy trade relationships outside of Italy. 'How part of the animal, butchered, came to be a kitchen scrap in a seemingly standard Pompeian restaurant not only speaks to long-distance trade in exotic and wild animals, but also something of the richness, variety and range of a non-elite diet," explains Ellis. 9 This human brain tissue found at Herculaneum was turned into glass due to heat from the volcano disaster that destroyed Pompeii Credit: 9 Victims of Vesuvius were baked, boiled and buried in ash Credit: Rex Features Glass brain In Herculaneum, a town to the west of Mount Vesuvius, two bizarre pieces of dark-coloured glass were found inside the skulls of two individuals. The first piece of glass suspected to be of 'organic origin' was identified in Herculaneum in 2020. A glassy, black material was found inside the skull of a man on a wooden bed, who was buried by volcanic ash. While the second was hunk of black glass was found earlier this year. The Tragic History of Pompeii Experts believe these are fossilised brains, caused by the extreme heat from the short-lived ash cloud that swept through the ancient town of Herculaneum in 79CE. Herculaneum was buried under roughly five times the amount of ash that Pompeii was. Similarly, the second victim had also been lying on their bed when the cloud descended. For the brain to become glass, it must have been heated to above 510°C before quickly cooling. This is an incredibly rare process is called vitrification. 9 Erotic Satyr and Nymph wall painting from The House of the Faun in Pompeii Credit: Universal History Archive 9 Fresco sex scene in the wall of Lupanar of Pompeii Credit: Getty Cheeky art The Romans' affinity for brothels, alcohol, and pornography has been well documented and discovered among the ruins of Pompeii. Hundreds of sexually explicit works of art from Pompeii have been placed in the Secret Museum in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. These include graphic sex scenes - which experts believe could be advertisements for local brothels - as well as lots of phallic statuary, believed to bring wealth, fertility, and good luck. Some of these pieces were so cheeky that they were deemed "pornographic" in 1821, and the museum closed the room to visitors in 1849. The Secret Museum didn't reopen for good until 2000. 9 The simple etchings depict men with shields and spears fighting animals and each other Credit: Instagram/@pompeii_parco_archeologico 9 Political slogans and messages of support for candidates can still be seen preserved on the walls today Credit: Getty Graffiti Pompeiians were politically active - and they have the graffiti to show for it. There was an upcoming election when the city was buried by Mount Vesuvius. Political slogans and messages of support for candidates can still be seen preserved on the walls today. Though it wasn't just political statements being plastered around. Last May, charcoal wall drawings were unearthed that archaeologists believe were made by children as young as five. The drawings, which were of children's height, suggest they had attended gruesome gladiator battles in the city. The simple etchings depict men with shields and spears fighting animals and each other. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, said children of the time would have come into contact with extreme forms of speculated violence. This includes the frequent executions of criminals and slaves. "We came to the conclusion that in all likelihood the drawings of the gladiators and hunters were made on the basis of a direct vision and not from pictorial models," he said in a statement at the time. "Probably one or more of the children who played in this courtyard, among the kitchens, latrine and flowerbeds for growing vegetables, had witnessed fights in the amphitheatre." 9 An array of ancient Roman surgical instruments discovered at Pompeii, on display at Naples Museum Credit: Hulton Archive / Getty Images Surgical tools Archaeologists have also recovered surgical instruments from Pompeii - which paint a squeamish picture of medical practices in 79 AD. Medical tools have been found in various parts of the excavated city, but most most were found at a structure known as the House of the Surgeon. While the Romans had not yet developed germ theory, many of the tools were made of copper alloys. Copper has antimicrobial properties - meaning the tools may have prevented infections.
The Sun
04-05-2025
- The Sun
Butchered giraffe and glass BRAIN found in ancient treasure trove of objects buried by Mount Vesuvius 2,000 years ago
UNEARTHED The town of Herculaneum was buried under roughly five times the amount of ash that Pompeii was IT was an ordinary day when Mount Vesuvius plastered nearby towns in thick volcanic ash 2,000 years ago. A treasure trove of objects was buried, each giving an insight into the lives people led. 9 9 Butchered giraffe In the drains beneath the long-gone markets of Pompeii, archaeologists have found a rich variety of foods - from sea urchin to shellfish. But perhaps the most exotic find was the leg joint of a butchered giraffe. It is thought to be the only giraffe bone ever recorded from an archaeological excavation in Roman Italy, according to archaeologist Steven Ellis, who directs the University of Cincinnati's excavations at Pompeii. The discoveries point to busy trade relationships outside of Italy. 'How part of the animal, butchered, came to be a kitchen scrap in a seemingly standard Pompeian restaurant not only speaks to long-distance trade in exotic and wild animals, but also something of the richness, variety and range of a non-elite diet," explains Ellis. 9 Glass brain In Herculaneum, a town to the west of Mount Vesuvius, two bizarre pieces of dark-coloured glass were found inside the skulls of two individuals. The first piece of glass suspected to be of 'organic origin' was identified in Herculaneum in 2020. A glassy, black material was found inside the skull of a man on a wooden bed, who was buried by volcanic ash. While the second was hunk of black glass was found earlier this year. Experts believe these are fossilised brains, caused by the extreme heat from the short-lived ash cloud that swept through the ancient town of Herculaneum in 79CE. Herculaneum was buried under roughly five times the amount of ash that Pompeii was. Similarly, the second victim had also been lying on their bed when the cloud descended. For the brain to become glass, it must have been heated to above 510°C before quickly cooling. This is an incredibly rare process is called vitrification. 9 9 Cheeky art The Romans' affinity for brothels, alcohol, and pornography has been well documented and discovered among the ruins of Pompeii. Hundreds of sexually explicit works of art from Pompeii have been placed in the Secret Museum in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. These include graphic sex scenes - which experts believe could be advertisements for local brothels - as well as lots of phallic statuary, believed to bring wealth, fertility, and good luck. Some of these pieces were so cheeky that they were deemed "pornographic" in 1821, and the museum closed the room to visitors in 1849. The Secret Museum didn't reopen for good until 2000. 9 Graffiti Pompeiians were politically active - and they have the graffiti to show for it. There was an upcoming election when the city was buried by Mount Vesuvius. Political slogans and messages of support for candidates can still be seen preserved on the walls today. Though it wasn't just political statements being plastered around. Last May, charcoal wall drawings were unearthed that archaeologists believe were made by children as young as five. The drawings, which were of children's height, suggest they had attended gruesome gladiator battles in the city. The simple etchings depict men with shields and spears fighting animals and each other. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, said children of the time would have come into contact with extreme forms of speculated violence. This includes the frequent executions of criminals and slaves. "We came to the conclusion that in all likelihood the drawings of the gladiators and hunters were made on the basis of a direct vision and not from pictorial models," he said in a statement at the time. "Probably one or more of the children who played in this courtyard, among the kitchens, latrine and flowerbeds for growing vegetables, had witnessed fights in the amphitheatre." 9 Surgical tools Archaeologists have also recovered surgical instruments from Pompeii - which paint a squeamish picture of medical practices in 79 AD. Medical tools have been found in various parts of the excavated city, but most most were found at a structure known as the House of the Surgeon. While the Romans had not yet developed germ theory, many of the tools were made of copper alloys. Copper has antimicrobial properties - meaning the tools may have prevented infections. The destruction of Pompeii – what happened in 79 AD? Pompeii was an ancient Roman city near modern Naples, in the Campania region of Italy. It was destroyed, along with the Roman town of Herculaneum and many villas in the surrounding area, and buried under volcanic ash in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The violent explosion killed the city's inhabitants, with the site lost for around 1,500 years until its initial rediscovery in 1599 and broader rediscovery almost 150 years after that. The thermal energy released from Vesuvius was said to be a hundred thousand times that of the nuclear blasts at Hiroshima-Nagasaki. The remains beneath the city have been preserved for more than a millenium due to the lack of air and moisture in the ground. During excavations, plaster was injected into the voids in the ash layers that once held human bodies, allowing scientists to recreate their exact poses at the time of their deaths. Mount Vesuvius is arguably the most dangerous volcano on earth. It had been inactive for almost a century before roaring back into life and destroying Pompeii. Since then, it has exploded around three dozen more times – most recently in 1944 – and stands in close proximity to three million people. Although its current status is dormant, Vesuvius is an 'extremely active' and unpredictable volcano, according to experts. To this day, scientists are finding cultural, architectural and human remains on the banks of Mount Vesuvius. Excavations at thermal baths in Pompeii's ruins in February revealed the skeleton of a crouching child who perished in the 79 AD eruption.
