Unearthing the Past: Skeletons at Pompeii Reveal Their Secrets

Early Discoveries and Treatment of Skeletons at Pompeii

The discovery of skeletons at Pompeii has been a notable aspect of the excavations since their inception. The first documented find of a skeleton, accompanied by eighteen bronze coins and one silver coin, was reported on April 19, 1748, less than a month after digging commenced. Unlike other artifacts such as coins, the human remains were not removed but left in situ.

Consequently, early visitors to the site were directly confronted with these poignant reminders of the ancient tragedy. Unlike other finds, these bones were not safeguarded with the same diligence.

Latapie recalls how visitors often took bones from the Villa of Diomedes as souvenirs: “At the entrance to the cellar, one can see a collection of bones on shelves, which continually diminishes as some people try to take a piece if they can. I didn’t miss the opportunity to do the same, so I could add to my little museum a bone over seventeen centuries old.”

This casual treatment of human remains illustrates the early methods of archaeology and highlights how perceptions and handling of discoveries have evolved. Today, we take utmost care to preserve these invaluable remnants of the past, ensuring they continue to educate future generations about life in ancient Pompeii.

The Sentinel of Pompeii: The Story of the Soldier’s Skeleton

Among the many tales from Pompeii’s excavations, few are as enduring as that of the sentinel who reportedly stood guard during Vesuvius’s eruption. This story, a blend of historical observation and romantic embellishment, has captivated visitors and scholars, symbolizing duty and loyalty. The legend is based on a real discovery during Pompeii’s early excavations.

On August 13, 1763, archaeologists found a small vaulted structure outside the Herculaneum Gate, with inscriptions indicating it was a tomb for M. Cerrinius Restitutus. Its location next to a seat-tomb led early visitors and excavators to speculate it served as a guard post during the city’s final moments.

Early travel writers and archaeologists, like Mariana Starke in 1797, noted a sentry-box-like recess at the gate. By 1823, the story included a skeleton found in the niche with a spear in hand, suggesting a Roman soldier chose to die at his post rather than flee, embodying ultimate sacrifice.

The story gained traction in the 19th century, bolstered by accounts from figures like Lady Blessington, who visited Pompeii in the early 1820s. Accompanied by renowned archaeologist Sir William Gell, she recounted the sentinel who perished at his duty.

Gell and his colleague John Gandy included this in their site descriptions, noting it was based on conjecture rather than evidence. As the story spread, it became a popular feature in guides and descriptions of Pompeii.

Overbeck’s 1856 archaeological guide described the soldier holding a spear and standing guard as the city succumbed to destruction, helping cement the story in the public imagination.

Despite its popularity, the story faced skepticism. As early as 1855, critics like Breton doubted it, noting the tomb’s inscriptions indicated a funerary rather than military function.

By the late 19th century, guidebooks like Baedeker’s dismissed the tale as fiction, differentiating between historical fact and romantic embellishment. However, the story’s power ensured its continued retelling. Mark Twain, in his 1869 travel book “The Innocents Abroad,” recounted the tale with a mix of admiration and irony, contrasting the noble Roman soldier with contemporary policemen.

The story inspired numerous artistic representations. Edward John Poynter’s painting “Faithful unto Death” (1865) became an iconic visualization, depicting a guardsman at his post against Vesuvius’s fury.

Poynter’s work influenced artists like American sculptor Harriet Hosmer, whose statue “The Pompeian Sentinel” (1878) portrayed the soldier embodying stoic resilience. These artistic renditions solidified the story in popular culture, resonating with themes of duty, honor, and sacrifice, highlighting the intersection of historical interpretation and creative imagination.

The Skeleton of the Washer-Woman: A Spectacle for Emperor Joseph II

The discovery of skeletons at Pompeii has always fascinated the public, with a notable find occurring during Emperor Joseph II’s visit on April 7, 1769. This event was significant in Pompeii’s excavation history, highlighting how archaeological discoveries could be influenced by contemporary expectations and distinguished visitors.

The Emperor’s Visit and the Staged Discovery

During the excavation of the ‘House of Joseph II’ (VIII.ii.39), a skeleton was uncovered next to a basin. It is widely believed that this skeleton was deliberately placed there to ensure the emperor witnessed an exciting discovery.

Emperor Joseph II’s presence offered a perfect opportunity for the excavators to stage a find that would captivate both the emperor and the public. Initial reports by La Vega, an overseer of the excavations, focused more on artifacts found in the same context.

However, the skeleton quickly became the center of attention. By 1776, archaeologist Latapie suggested that the skeleton might belong to a slave responsible for laundry, although the room was part of a private bath suite.

Hamilton’s Account and the Romanticization of the Skeleton

Sir William Hamilton, who accompanied Emperor Joseph II, also noted the skeleton. In his 1777 account, Hamilton romanticized the find, describing the skeleton as a ‘washer-woman’ who faced death with calm resignation and true Roman fortitude.

This depiction added human interest and nobility, transforming it from a mere archaeological find into a poignant symbol of stoic endurance. Hamilton’s account included an illustration of the room, which he sent to the Society of Antiquaries.

This illustration, compared with modern photographs, appears largely accurate, providing a visual connection to the historical narrative.

Legacy and Interpretation

The story of the washer-woman’s skeleton exemplifies how archaeological finds at Pompeii were often romanticized to enhance their appeal. It reflects the 18th-century tendency to imbue discoveries with narratives resonating with contemporary values.

The skeleton, whether truly a washer-woman or not, symbolized human tragedy and resilience in the face of natural disaster. This episode also highlights how figures like Emperor Joseph II and Sir William Hamilton shaped public perceptions of Pompeii.

Their involvement brought greater attention to the site but also showed how archaeological practices could be swayed by the desire to impress and storytelling.

The skeleton’s discovery during Emperor Joseph II’s visit remains a poignant chapter in Pompeii’s excavation history, showcasing the intersection of archaeology, politics, and narrative, and how the past can be reconstructed to meet contemporary imaginations.

Romanticization and Misinterpretation of Skeletons at Pompeii

Early Romanticization

The skeletons at Pompeii quickly became subjects of romanticization by writers and artists. William Beckford’s travelogue, “Dreams, Waking Thoughts and Incidents,” published in 1783, is an early example.

Beckford vividly described the skeleton of a supposed laundress, blending reality with dream-like fantasy and transporting his readers back to the time of the eruption. Jean Claude Richard, Abbé de Saint-Non, captured the emotional responses of onlookers in his 1782 illustration, dramatizing the moment when visitors confronted the skeletons at Pompeii.

Imaginative Illustrations

Artists like Angelo Testa played a significant role in shaping public perception with imaginative depictions. Testa’s 1824 illustration in Mazois’ “Ruines de Pompéi” dramatically reconstructed the discovery of one of the skeletons at Pompeii during Emperor Joseph II’s visit, a scene later included in authoritative guides by Overbeck and Mau.

These imaginative depictions, while not always historically accurate, helped to popularize the site and its tragic history.

Fictional Narratives

The skeletons at Pompeii also inspired numerous fictional narratives. Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s novel “The Last Days of Pompeii” (1834) is a prime example, as it peopled the silent ruins with vivid characters and stories.

Bulwer-Lytton’s detailed descriptions and dramatic plot breathed life into the ancient city, casting its deserted streets and empty houses in a more familiar and emotionally engaging light. This novel, along with others, significantly shaped how subsequent generations viewed Pompeii.

Cultural and Artistic Impact

The tragic tale of Pompeii has served as a rich source of inspiration for artists across various mediums. Paintings, sculptures, and illustrations have all sought to capture the city’s dramatic demise and the poignant remnants left behind.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Romantic artists focused on the human elements of the disaster, often portraying anguished figures and desolate ruins to evoke deep emotional responses from viewers.

For instance, the works of painter Karl Briullov, particularly his monumental piece “The Last Day of Pompeii” (1833), masterfully depict the chaos and terror during the volcanic eruption through dramatic lighting and dynamic composition.

In addition to painting, Pompeii’s ruins have influenced sculpture and other three-dimensional art forms. Neoclassical sculptors drew inspiration from the remnants of classical antiquity unearthed in the city, creating works that reflected both the artistry and the sorrow of the lost civilization.

Artists such as John Gibson incorporated motifs and themes discovered in Pompeii into their sculptures, blending ancient styles with contemporary sensibilities to produce timeless pieces that evoke the grandeur and tragedy of the past.

More recently, contemporary artists have continued to explore Pompeii’s legacy, utilizing modern techniques and materials to reinterpret its history. Photographers, digital artists, and installation creators have used the site as a backdrop for works that draw parallels between ancient and modern societies, examining themes of disaster, memory, and cultural heritage.

These ongoing artistic endeavors ensure that Pompeii remains a vibrant source of creative inspiration, bridging the gap between past and present while continually inviting new interpretations and dialogues.

Conclusion

The discovery and interpretation of skeletons at Pompeii illustrate a fascinating journey from early romanticization to modern scientific analysis. These remains have inspired countless stories and artworks, helping to humanize the ancient city and connect us to its tragic past. As scientific techniques continue to evolve, so too will our understanding of Pompeii, ensuring that its legacy endures for future generations.