Remains of Pompeii family trying to hide from eruption found under bed frame

For nearly two thousand years, the ruins of Pompeii, covered in ash and lava from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, have held secrets about the lives of the ancient Romans. Recent excavations have once again attracted the attention of scientists and historians when the remains of a family were discovered who, despite desperate attempts to save themselves, perished in their home while trying to escape the lava flow.

Archaeologists have reportedly discovered the remains of ancient Romans in the so-called House of Hella and Phrixus, a luxurious residence named after a fresco depicting the mythological siblings on the wall of the dining room. Situated in the centre of the ancient city, the house was one of the richest and most decorated buildings, making the discovery particularly significant. The remains of four people, including a child, were found.

"Unlike most burials, where only skeletons are found, here traces of soft tissue, skin, nails and even hair were preserved. These remains were found in a small but elegant house, which was probably the residence of a rich and influential family," experts explain. Archaeologists assume that it was in this house that the family tried to hide, barricading themselves in the bedroom to wait out the catastrophe.

When the eruption began, most of Pompeii’s inhabitants – some 15,000 to 20,000 people – fled or tried to escape, but about 2,000 remained. Among them was this family, who apparently became trapped. Researchers found that they had tried to fortify their defenses by propping up a bed frame against the door, hoping that this would stop the lava and ash from entering. Despite their efforts, however, lava debris and small volcanic granules quickly filled the room through the atrium.

Let us explain: the atrium is the central part of the house with an open roof, designed to collect rainwater.

"Their remains were sealed under a layer of ash, and the objects left nearby provide valuable information about the life and death of this family. Among the finds are a bronze bulla amulet, which, according to tradition, could have belonged to a child for protection, as well as amphorae with garum - a popular fish sauce in Rome, which was used in cooking," says Gabriele Zuchtriegel, director of the Pompeii archaeological park. According to him, the remains discovered show that even in the most difficult moments, people tried to preserve their lives, protecting themselves and their loved ones: "Their story is a reminder of the fragility of human life in the face of natural disasters."

The researchers note that the discovery provides a unique opportunity to understand how exactly the city's residents tried to fight panic and danger. Interestingly, archaeologists do not know exactly who owned the "House of Hella and Phrixus".

Scientists are currently using modern methods of radiocarbon dating, DNA analysis and microscopy to obtain more accurate information about the origins and lives of these people. In the future, they plan to expand the research to understand how social and cultural characteristics helped or hindered the city's inhabitants to survive natural disasters.