A new permanent exhibition has opened at the historic site of Pompeii, presenting a poignant and powerful collection of plaster casts that immortalise the final moments of those who perished in the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The exhibition, which launched on Thursday, features more than twenty meticulously preserved casts, offering visitors a unique and deeply moving glimpse into the ancient tragedy.
Imprints of Pain: A Technique Preserving History
The plaster casts, described by scholars as "imprints of pain," were created using a technique invented by Giuseppe Fiorelli in 1863. This method involves pouring liquid plaster into the cavities left by decomposed bodies within the hardened volcanic ash, resulting in remarkably detailed reproductions. These casts faithfully capture the exact positions, expressions of agony, and even clothing details of the victims, serving as unparalleled historical testimonies.
Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, explained the curatorial vision behind the exhibition. He stated that the aim was to "give dignity to these people who are like us—women, children, men—who died during the eruption, but at the same time make it understandable, inclusive, and somehow joyful to understand what really happened in Pompeii."
Unearthing the Tragedy: The Scale of Destruction
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius is estimated to have killed approximately 2,000 residents within the city of Pompeii alone, with regional casualties potentially reaching up to 16,000. The city was swiftly buried under layers of ash and later solidified by pyroclastic flows, preserving it for centuries. During excavations, the remains of over a thousand victims were discovered, trapped in their homes or shelters, buried by pumice stones and volcanic rock, or crushed under collapsing structures.
Archaeologist Silvia Martina Bertesago of the Pompeii Archaeological Park noted the emotional impact of the casts, saying, "They have a strong emotional impact on visitors and can be very moving." She added that modern analytical techniques allow researchers to determine the age, sex, health conditions, and even dietary habits of the victims, providing deeper insights into their lives.
A Unique Archaeological Site
Pompeii stands as the only archaeological site in the world where such evidence can be recovered, enabling the reproduction of both destroyed objects and the people who lived and died there. The twenty-two casts selected for this exhibition are among the best-preserved remains, found across various locations in the city, from inner areas to gates and roads where inhabitants fled in a desperate search for safety.
The exhibition is housed in the porticoes of the Palestra Grande, situated opposite the Amphitheatre. In addition to the human remains, it includes displays of other findings, such as plants and food items that remained buried for centuries under meters of ash and lava. This comprehensive approach offers a holistic view of life and death in ancient Pompeii, making the exhibition a significant addition to the site's educational and cultural offerings.
