The Hidden Revelations Behind Pompeii

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There were rich, the poor, the ordinary and the slaves. Even in death, the tombs would hold the ashes of three people: the master, the slave and a friend with an inscription. Upon examination of the clues, it seemed that even when the slaves were freed, they had the opportunity to become wealthy in life and do well for themselves. In Herculaneum, half the population were descendants of slaves. Franz was able to determine that there were bones of bodies deemed to be African. One of the bones also had green coloring suggesting that the man was the slave of a wealthy family or simply had his own riches. It seems that he was actually a doctor to the Emperor and not a slave in a derogatory sense. Beard and her team have proven that the two different societies were able to live together and even had the opportunity to be something.

MODERN APPROACHES

Modern science allows the experts to understand the medical history of those that lived thousands of years ago. The bones and the teeth, for example, were given a new life in the world of modern technology. Not only were they able to give clues as to their age, but due to the evolution of the forensic experts and advancement in science, it was revealed that there was no visual difference between dirt and an infection.

One startling revelation was regarding nutrition. Professor Beard said she discovered “archeological gold: the sewer”, buried in the volcanic eruption where the Roman diet was preserved. The archeological excavation of seven hundred bags of human waste were collected to find out exactly what they ate. Never before did anyone know that the diet consisted of more than bread and fish. Therefore, it is discovered that where the rich and poor ate may have been “world’s apart” but what they ate that was the similar.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this documentary has been so insightful on the lives of those who lived thousands of years ago with the use of modern technology and forensic experts. One was able to learn about their financial status, their diet, illnesses they suffered. It was in ancient Pompeii that the first case of syphilis was known of, thus much earlier that we thought. It was riveting to acknowledge that modern science was able to provide clues as to how this society lived and the distinctions made upon closer examination of the evidence from a cellar. Professor Mary Beard was extraordinary in taking us on this journey and give us a glimpse of who these people might have been and their lifestyle. She was able to paint a picture of a male dominated society and not the “toga-wearing” party the Romans are known for. Instead, she takes was able to explore modern day Naples and compare how grimy the city is with its smelly garbage and graffiti on the walls similar to that in ancient times. To this day, you can get a guided tour and still sense what life was like in Pompeii almost two thousand years ago. The documentary had no weaknesses, only strengths because it was clear and concise. Professor Beard and her team took us through the examination of primary sources of evidence found in a cellar and painted a picture of a day in the life of ancient Pompeii.