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Interesting in the preliminary information about Pompeii
and the eruption of Vesuvius was the fact that some 15 or so years before
the eruption there was a massive earthquake in the area. This accounted
for two things: 1. the fact that there were less people living in Pompeii
than at its height and 2. the indications of ruins and rebuilding found
by the archaelogists. This factor made for some interesting observations
on both the destruction of the volcano and some of the why's of preservation
as well as disarray in the remains. |
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| The remains of the people of Pompeii were
found when they were excavating and found indications of empty spaces in
the remains. The scientists filled these with plaster of paris and were
given when they cleared away the debris forms like this one which indicated
a person at the time of death. |
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This particular person probably died of the fumes
from which they were trying to escape by covering his mouth and nose. Inside
the plaster casts are the bones of the person preserved. It is truly amazing
to see these remains and try to empathize with those caught in this horrible
natural disaster. |
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In one of the better preserved private homes in the
city, we see indications of the wall paintings - frescos - which because
of the ash and volcanic debris were preserved in excellent manner. To the
left is one wall of a room with indications of decoration and the style
of art at the time. To the right a small photo of a detailed depiction
of quail or like birds also used as decoration and possibly some sort of
indicators on the walls. The notable thing in viewing these remains is
the brilliance of the color and detail after hundreds and hundreds of years. |
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