Ancient DNA Analysis Challenges Long-Held Beliefs About Pompeii Victims

New genetic evidence reveals unexpected details about the identities and relationships of those preserved in the volcanic ash of Pompeii.

The study extracted DNA from the bones of 14 individuals encased in Pompeii's body casts, revealing surprising insights.
Contrary to previous assumptions, individuals found together in the House of the Golden Bracelet were not a family, as all were unrelated males.
DNA analysis showed that at least one individual in another pair thought to be female was actually male, challenging gender assumptions.
The research highlights Pompeii's diverse population, primarily descended from immigrants from the eastern Mediterranean.
Findings emphasize the need to integrate genetic data with archaeological evidence to avoid modern biases in historical interpretations.