Artefacts excavated from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius
Two Artefacts I will be analysing are the 'Ring Lady' and the 'Chain Dog'
These Artefacts are results of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79BC. Excavated from the two different ancient Roman towns Pompeii and Herculaneum, these remains provide modern historians valuable insight to Roman social life, and status which makes the eruption of Mount Vesuvius significant.
The Ring Lady - first discovered 1982
Analysis
The skeletal remains of more than fifty-five people who once occupied the small town of Herculaneum, were found sheltered in all six of the boat sheds along the beach-coastline in a fatal attempt to flee the horrors of the eruption in 1982 by Italian public works employees under the direction of Dr. Guisseppe Maggi. The group of fifty-five skeletal remains were made up of thirty adult males, thirteen adult females, and twelve children, one of these skeletons from the time of the excavations was dubbed 'The Ring Lady'.
Anthropologist Sara Bisel examined the remains and suggested that the skeleton belonged to a female around the age of forty-five, who was in good health including well looked after teeth, although first-stage gum disease was apparent - this shows she was somewhat a wealthy woman because she had well looked after teeth and prime health that in comparison to other skeletal remains who very obviously didn't have a balanced diet shows she had the economical advantage. From the evidence of these remains archaeologists were able to calculate a percentage of 3.8% of the Herculaneum population that had tooth decay, this suggested that they consumed a high consumption of seafood (especially important since Herculaneum was a seaside town) which contained high levels of fluoride would also have been a contributing factor. From this evidence we can be even more sure that seafood was a staple food in the diet of those living in ancient Rome and in towns like Herculaneum at this time. Anthropologist Sara Bisel could likewise distinguish the age, sex, social class, and the occupation of a victimised person taking into account their bones. For the skeletons of Herculaneum social class could be controlled by the measure of wear on the bones, eating routine and the measure of expensive jewellery found on or around them.
The Ring Lady was most likely killed immediately by the pyroclastic blast as evidence in the remains suggest by the discoloured, blackened state the skeleton was left in, also leaving cracks in the skulls and teeth of the remains show that the temperature at approximately nine-hundred degrees fahrenheit was extreme enough to burn off the flesh and boil the brain. Through chemical analysis of the remains, quantities of lead were found in the bones of the skeletons also suggesting high chances of lead poisoning . The Ring Lady was a wealthy patrician who was wearing and carrying a lot of heavy gold jewellery as well as some coins in a bag on her hip. From these costly belongings it is evident that she was very wealthy and her dense, heavy bones support this as they indicate she was well nourished. These pieces of evidence are significant because they help us to understand that there was a social class in ancient Roman times, and how the wealthy chose to exhibit this with expensive jewellery made from gold or containing precious stones, and living life in luxury including eating a balanced and nutritious diet.
Conclusion
The preservation of the skeletons allows for tests to be carried out providing modern historians with details of what people in ancient roman times ate, the diseases they had, and the general details of the population as whole. These skeletons are important because as they are further examined they grant us knowledge towards understanding ancient roman life. Because of the skeletons that were excavated with cracked skulls, the evidence gives us knowledge as to what would happen if an event similar were ever to occur once again and the results of it. DNA analysis can show us the consequences - good and bad, of living in ancient Rome. The eruption is significant because of the degree at which it preserved the skeletons which allowed an in depth, detailed analysis of the bones to be carried out. The eruption excellently preserved the skeletons and protected in an encased environment of unchanging climate and humidity levels - it would not have been in any way possible to obtain these skeletons and all the information they hold about ancient Roman times if they weren't so well covered with the volcanic matter from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Through investigation of these skeletons, experts were able to make sense the economic statuses of people that perished on the day of the eruption, examining the remains reasoned that social position influenced your health as in you were looked after with better care so you'd be all the more decently fed. This helps us to see what it was like to live in ancient Rome and how the social hierarchy was exhibited in all parts of the Roman social life. The span of time from which we have the skeletons - in 79AD was during the first and second hundreds of years of AD and was additionally a period where the Romans were for the most part of the time cremated when they passed away, it was't until the fourth century AD when cremation started to be referred to as a relic of past times. So this certifies the uniqueness of the skeletons as practically all ancient roman individuals as of now would have been cremated when they died so we would never be able to obtain the knowledge from analysing evidence as there would be no such thing. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius was to a great degree significant as not just did it save these skeletons from time and the elements, it additionally safeguarded them from the social traditions of the time.
The skeletal remains of more than fifty-five people who once occupied the small town of Herculaneum, were found sheltered in all six of the boat sheds along the beach-coastline in a fatal attempt to flee the horrors of the eruption in 1982 by Italian public works employees under the direction of Dr. Guisseppe Maggi. The group of fifty-five skeletal remains were made up of thirty adult males, thirteen adult females, and twelve children, one of these skeletons from the time of the excavations was dubbed 'The Ring Lady'.
Anthropologist Sara Bisel examined the remains and suggested that the skeleton belonged to a female around the age of forty-five, who was in good health including well looked after teeth, although first-stage gum disease was apparent - this shows she was somewhat a wealthy woman because she had well looked after teeth and prime health that in comparison to other skeletal remains who very obviously didn't have a balanced diet shows she had the economical advantage. From the evidence of these remains archaeologists were able to calculate a percentage of 3.8% of the Herculaneum population that had tooth decay, this suggested that they consumed a high consumption of seafood (especially important since Herculaneum was a seaside town) which contained high levels of fluoride would also have been a contributing factor. From this evidence we can be even more sure that seafood was a staple food in the diet of those living in ancient Rome and in towns like Herculaneum at this time. Anthropologist Sara Bisel could likewise distinguish the age, sex, social class, and the occupation of a victimised person taking into account their bones. For the skeletons of Herculaneum social class could be controlled by the measure of wear on the bones, eating routine and the measure of expensive jewellery found on or around them.
The Ring Lady was most likely killed immediately by the pyroclastic blast as evidence in the remains suggest by the discoloured, blackened state the skeleton was left in, also leaving cracks in the skulls and teeth of the remains show that the temperature at approximately nine-hundred degrees fahrenheit was extreme enough to burn off the flesh and boil the brain. Through chemical analysis of the remains, quantities of lead were found in the bones of the skeletons also suggesting high chances of lead poisoning . The Ring Lady was a wealthy patrician who was wearing and carrying a lot of heavy gold jewellery as well as some coins in a bag on her hip. From these costly belongings it is evident that she was very wealthy and her dense, heavy bones support this as they indicate she was well nourished. These pieces of evidence are significant because they help us to understand that there was a social class in ancient Roman times, and how the wealthy chose to exhibit this with expensive jewellery made from gold or containing precious stones, and living life in luxury including eating a balanced and nutritious diet.
Conclusion
The preservation of the skeletons allows for tests to be carried out providing modern historians with details of what people in ancient roman times ate, the diseases they had, and the general details of the population as whole. These skeletons are important because as they are further examined they grant us knowledge towards understanding ancient roman life. Because of the skeletons that were excavated with cracked skulls, the evidence gives us knowledge as to what would happen if an event similar were ever to occur once again and the results of it. DNA analysis can show us the consequences - good and bad, of living in ancient Rome. The eruption is significant because of the degree at which it preserved the skeletons which allowed an in depth, detailed analysis of the bones to be carried out. The eruption excellently preserved the skeletons and protected in an encased environment of unchanging climate and humidity levels - it would not have been in any way possible to obtain these skeletons and all the information they hold about ancient Roman times if they weren't so well covered with the volcanic matter from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Through investigation of these skeletons, experts were able to make sense the economic statuses of people that perished on the day of the eruption, examining the remains reasoned that social position influenced your health as in you were looked after with better care so you'd be all the more decently fed. This helps us to see what it was like to live in ancient Rome and how the social hierarchy was exhibited in all parts of the Roman social life. The span of time from which we have the skeletons - in 79AD was during the first and second hundreds of years of AD and was additionally a period where the Romans were for the most part of the time cremated when they passed away, it was't until the fourth century AD when cremation started to be referred to as a relic of past times. So this certifies the uniqueness of the skeletons as practically all ancient roman individuals as of now would have been cremated when they died so we would never be able to obtain the knowledge from analysing evidence as there would be no such thing. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius was to a great degree significant as not just did it save these skeletons from time and the elements, it additionally safeguarded them from the social traditions of the time.
The Chained Dog - first discovered 1874
Analysis
One of the main sources of evidence that sources information about the 79 AD Mt Vesuvius eruption and how ancient Romans lived were the plaster casts and skeletons. The cast of the dead were made by Guiseppe Fiorelli, the extraordinarily influential excavator of the site at Pompeii. Numerous skeletons were found at the site, yet the skeleton was not as fascinating to Fiorelli as the imprint of the body which was demonstrated in the ashes. This was a direct result of the way that individuals who were killed by the eruption had ash and pumice settle around their still body. At the point when the rainfall initiated, it washed more ash into the cracks, filling them in. In the end this solidified, fixing in the bodies. The flesh and clothing rotted after some time, leaving just the bones - however every subtle element of the body set noticeably in the imprints of the ash. Fiorelli, who was captivated by this discovery, developed a technique for duplicating these imprints by pumping a sort of cement into the cavity left by the body. This process has since gotten to be amazingly well known, being utilized to cast shutters, doors and even tree roots.
Famously, A cast using this process of a dog was excavated from the Vesonius Primus house of Pompeii on November 20, 1874. It was finely detailed outline of a dog, it is clear it is wearing a studded collar around it's neck and at the time of the eruption in was tethered to the atrium inside the Vesonius Primus house where it was excavated from in 1874. As the ash began to reach the ancient roman town of Pompeii and distribute throughout the town, it fell upon the Vesonius Primus. The ashes slowly began to fill the atrium, entering from the Compluvium. The dog, scared very obviously to us, sensed danger as the ash fall thickened around it, it retreated away climbing higher until its chain was taut. The animal was suffocated and buried alive as it was trying to escape from the torture. Although disheartening, this dog has conveyed the fact that ancient Romans had pets, and owned animals in a comparable manner to how we do today. This dog may have been a guard dog too. There were numerous wall paintings of guard dogs found at Pompeii, so this is not impossible. They were a critical part of the family, guaranteeing the families living there of wellbeing and protection. Herculaneum was a moderately quiet place to live, though Pompeii was bustling and loud. It was looted with bars and brothels, and would have potentially been a risky spot to walk about around after sunset. Majority of people stayed secured up their homes once the sun set, and their guard dogs would have been there for additional security.
One of the main sources of evidence that sources information about the 79 AD Mt Vesuvius eruption and how ancient Romans lived were the plaster casts and skeletons. The cast of the dead were made by Guiseppe Fiorelli, the extraordinarily influential excavator of the site at Pompeii. Numerous skeletons were found at the site, yet the skeleton was not as fascinating to Fiorelli as the imprint of the body which was demonstrated in the ashes. This was a direct result of the way that individuals who were killed by the eruption had ash and pumice settle around their still body. At the point when the rainfall initiated, it washed more ash into the cracks, filling them in. In the end this solidified, fixing in the bodies. The flesh and clothing rotted after some time, leaving just the bones - however every subtle element of the body set noticeably in the imprints of the ash. Fiorelli, who was captivated by this discovery, developed a technique for duplicating these imprints by pumping a sort of cement into the cavity left by the body. This process has since gotten to be amazingly well known, being utilized to cast shutters, doors and even tree roots.
Famously, A cast using this process of a dog was excavated from the Vesonius Primus house of Pompeii on November 20, 1874. It was finely detailed outline of a dog, it is clear it is wearing a studded collar around it's neck and at the time of the eruption in was tethered to the atrium inside the Vesonius Primus house where it was excavated from in 1874. As the ash began to reach the ancient roman town of Pompeii and distribute throughout the town, it fell upon the Vesonius Primus. The ashes slowly began to fill the atrium, entering from the Compluvium. The dog, scared very obviously to us, sensed danger as the ash fall thickened around it, it retreated away climbing higher until its chain was taut. The animal was suffocated and buried alive as it was trying to escape from the torture. Although disheartening, this dog has conveyed the fact that ancient Romans had pets, and owned animals in a comparable manner to how we do today. This dog may have been a guard dog too. There were numerous wall paintings of guard dogs found at Pompeii, so this is not impossible. They were a critical part of the family, guaranteeing the families living there of wellbeing and protection. Herculaneum was a moderately quiet place to live, though Pompeii was bustling and loud. It was looted with bars and brothels, and would have potentially been a risky spot to walk about around after sunset. Majority of people stayed secured up their homes once the sun set, and their guard dogs would have been there for additional security.
Beware of the dog Mosaic - first discovered 1874
Analysis One of the mosaics (the bottom left) was discovered in the same house which the cast of the dog was found. The mosaic on the upper left was found in the Domus of the tragic poet and contains the Latin words 'Cave canem' which translate into 'beware of the dog' Many beware of the dog mosaics like this were found all through Pompeii and add to our comprehension of how Romans utilised dogs as guard dogs. It wasn't uncommon for house owners to leave the doors of their houses open during the daytime, this gave outsiders a view into the interior of the Domus. In the house of the tragic poet, on the other side of the threshold there is the great image of tied up, aggressive-looking dog baring its teeth accompanied by the warning cave canem, as seen in the picture on the left. This mosaic would have only been visible if the front door was open. This confirms the dogs role as a protector of the ancient Romans homes and a useful deterrent for possible trespassers or intruders. It is likely that most Romans who owned a dog would have a comparative mosaic yet many Romans who did not have a dog guarding the house would have a mosaic like this in any case to ensure that their home was kept more secure and that it appeared to be as if they did have a dog. An ancient Roman writer Petronius (c. AD 27-66) wrote in his prose Satyricon of an exaggerated experience with one of these mosaics. 'I almost fell backwards and broke my legs while staring at all this, for to the left, as we entered, not far from the porter's alcove, an enormous dog upon a chain was painted upon the wall, and above him this inscription, in capitals: BEWARE THE DOG,' Clearly the mosaics were rather life-like and just the painting of the dog would be enough to scare off most intruders without even seeing the actual dog guarding the house. |
Conclusion
This evidence of the dog's body cast is especially unique, there is no other body cast of a real ancient Roman dog alive in 79AD. This dog body cast adds to our knowledge of the roman world as we have strong, physical evidence that Romans had pets and we have the analysis to see the parts their pets played at this specific time in Ancient Rome. The dog's bronze-studded neckline and its position in the house reveal to us that it must have been a guard dog. The eruption of Mt Vesuvius was significant as it issued us this remarkable and unique contribution from Pompeii as not only do we know the Romans had dogs as pets, we know one way that they used them- as gatekeeper dogs to guard their homes. The numerous mosaics found in Pompeii cautioning people to 'be careful with the puppy' demonstrate to us precisely how the ancient Romans used their dogs to hinder any trespassers and keep their property safe. From this we can advise that Romans must have needed to secure their home structure any possible intruders. We can likewise gather that since these dog mosaics were seen as powerful in warding off passers-by from Roman houses, the sorts of dogs they depicted must have had a reputation for being vicious and scary. The cast of the dog is additionally remarkable and adds to the significance of the eruption as it demonstrates to us that the people who owned the puppy, in the chaos of the eruption should not have considered saving their pet or they didn't have sufficient energy to set their dog free so they went out. The dog cast also issues us a clear picture of the dog in its final moments of life, its distorted limbs indicate how it died suffering in torment as it attempted to free itself while it was buried alive, this is unique as it creates a differentiation from the sleep-like, more serene body casts of people who were killed in the eruption. The eruption of Mt Vesuvius was a significant event as the preservation of Pompeii extended our insight on parts of ancient Roman social life - their pets, how they utilized their pets further enhancing their good fortune and how they secured their homes - the vital part that dogs played in their lives. Without the eruption preservation the dog mosaics and dog body cast we would not have these insightful artefacts. In different parts of Rome these dog mosaics could have effortlessly been shattered during wars and changes to the style of houses. It is possible that later on, as Romans started to construct new buildings with increased security, their attitude towards dogs changed and dogs were seen more as family unit pets and companions as opposed to guard dogs thus the mosaics no longer offered the same effectiveness as they once had so they decreased in popularity, the eruption also protected the dog mosaics from this time so they couldn't be destroyed. The eruption likewise secured these mosaics and the dog body cast from getting to be worn and deteriorating because of age.
This evidence of the dog's body cast is especially unique, there is no other body cast of a real ancient Roman dog alive in 79AD. This dog body cast adds to our knowledge of the roman world as we have strong, physical evidence that Romans had pets and we have the analysis to see the parts their pets played at this specific time in Ancient Rome. The dog's bronze-studded neckline and its position in the house reveal to us that it must have been a guard dog. The eruption of Mt Vesuvius was significant as it issued us this remarkable and unique contribution from Pompeii as not only do we know the Romans had dogs as pets, we know one way that they used them- as gatekeeper dogs to guard their homes. The numerous mosaics found in Pompeii cautioning people to 'be careful with the puppy' demonstrate to us precisely how the ancient Romans used their dogs to hinder any trespassers and keep their property safe. From this we can advise that Romans must have needed to secure their home structure any possible intruders. We can likewise gather that since these dog mosaics were seen as powerful in warding off passers-by from Roman houses, the sorts of dogs they depicted must have had a reputation for being vicious and scary. The cast of the dog is additionally remarkable and adds to the significance of the eruption as it demonstrates to us that the people who owned the puppy, in the chaos of the eruption should not have considered saving their pet or they didn't have sufficient energy to set their dog free so they went out. The dog cast also issues us a clear picture of the dog in its final moments of life, its distorted limbs indicate how it died suffering in torment as it attempted to free itself while it was buried alive, this is unique as it creates a differentiation from the sleep-like, more serene body casts of people who were killed in the eruption. The eruption of Mt Vesuvius was a significant event as the preservation of Pompeii extended our insight on parts of ancient Roman social life - their pets, how they utilized their pets further enhancing their good fortune and how they secured their homes - the vital part that dogs played in their lives. Without the eruption preservation the dog mosaics and dog body cast we would not have these insightful artefacts. In different parts of Rome these dog mosaics could have effortlessly been shattered during wars and changes to the style of houses. It is possible that later on, as Romans started to construct new buildings with increased security, their attitude towards dogs changed and dogs were seen more as family unit pets and companions as opposed to guard dogs thus the mosaics no longer offered the same effectiveness as they once had so they decreased in popularity, the eruption also protected the dog mosaics from this time so they couldn't be destroyed. The eruption likewise secured these mosaics and the dog body cast from getting to be worn and deteriorating because of age.