Human Remain Casts, Pompeii: Better Tips for Better Trips

Things to Do in Pompeii

When you visit Pompeii, you’re able to see a unique glimpse into the town’s macabre past. Imprints of human remains and casts of the bodies are a big draw for tourists in the area.

What Happened

In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted, complete decimating the thriving village of Pompeii. The area was covered in a thick layer of ash that killed all living things. Sadly, this means that bodies were preserved in the exact position they were in when they died. The result was haunting imprints of human remains which were excavated in the sixteenth century, allowing visitors to see the ancient city and its victims.

Viewing Ruins

When you visit Pompeii, you’ll get to walk around the actual ruins of the city. Throughout the ruins, you can see casts of the bodies and other interesting things like graffiti and rudimentary furniture. Though many of the artifacts and casts have been moved to the Museum of Naples, you’ll still be able to see some of the remains in the Horrea and the Olitorium in Pompeii.

Casts

The casts here aren’t actual human remains themselves: Ash covered the bodies, but the bodies eventually decomposed. The hardened ash covering created a perfectly preserved mold of the body. When filled with plaster, researchers were able to recreate the shape of the bodies. In some cases, there is an incredible amount of detail. You’ll be able to see the expression on the person’s face as they died and markings on the fabric of their clothing. Imprints of human remains aren’t the only remains you’ll see, either. You can also see animals like dogs that perished.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about viewing human remains in Pompeii.