Nearly 2,000 years after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried the Roman city of Pompeii, researchers are employing innovative digital archaeology techniques to uncover its hidden history. The eruption in AD 79 enveloped the city in a thick layer of ash and debris, preserving many of its structures but leaving significant gaps in our understanding of daily life in this ancient settlement. Recent findings reveal a monumental stone staircase in the Casa del Tiaso, suggesting the existence of previously unknown architectural features that could reshape our view of Pompeii.
Using a combination of remote sensing technology, close-range photography, and traditional excavation methods, the Pompeii Reset project has begun to unveil the elements of Pompeii that have remained obscured for centuries. According to co-lead study author and professor at Humboldt University, Dr. Susanne Muth, “By reconstructing the lost architecture, we gain a more nuanced and historically accurate understanding of the ancient city and life within it.” Published in the E-Journal of the Excavations of Pompeii, these findings could significantly alter the way we envision the skyline of ancient Pompeii.
New Insights into Pompeii’s Architectural Landscape
During a visit to the Archaeological Park of Pompeii in 2022, Dr. Muth was inspired by ongoing efforts to preserve the city’s heritage. Recognizing the challenges posed by climate change and the fragility of the ruins, she proposed using noninvasive digital techniques to explore and document the site further. The initiative garnered interest from the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, which partnered with Humboldt University to apply advanced methods such as LiDAR (light detection and ranging) and high-resolution photography to create detailed 3D models of the remaining structures.
The researchers carefully analyze data from these scans to identify missing elements, enabling them to digitally reconstruct how buildings may have appeared prior to the volcanic disaster. Notably, they discovered that residents returned to Pompeii decades after the eruption, establishing new living spaces amidst the ruins. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the archaeological park, reported that the volcanic debris reached approximately five meters in height, allowing for upper floors to emerge from the ash.
The Casa del Tiaso, which was recently excavated, featured a grand staircase leading to a second floor, with evidence suggesting the presence of a second staircase, potentially leading to a third floor. Dr. Muth stated, “When we began to reconstruct this room in terms of its lost architecture, it became clear to us that it could only be a tower,” indicating that this kind of structure may have been more common in Pompeii than previously thought.
Reimagining Life in Ancient Pompeii
The Casa del Tiaso is believed to have belonged to a wealthy family, showcasing lavish banquet rooms and luxurious features such as a private thermal bath complex. Historical texts and depictions from ancient Rome frequently referenced towers associated with affluent villas, suggesting these architectural elements played a role in social status and grandeur. Dr. Muth noted that Roman authors, including Pliny the Younger, described similar towers designed for enjoying scenic views.
Despite this, the focus of archaeological efforts has often been on more visible and valuable artifacts, such as statues and frescoes. Dr. Muth explained that renewed interest is now directed towards understanding the lives of ordinary citizens. “In the process, it has been discovered that the wealthier citizens of Pompeii also used rooms on the upper floors, as traces of richer furnishings have been found there,” she added.
The digital reconstruction process is akin to detective work, where every piece of evidence is meticulously gathered and analyzed. Drones are utilized to capture scans of entire buildings, while laser technology and close-range photography are used to document texture and details. This comprehensive approach results in accurate 3D models that allow researchers to visualize what life in Pompeii may have looked like, from banquets to the daily struggles of its inhabitants.
As the Pompeii Reset project continues its work, questions remain about the prevalence of towers in Pompeii’s urban architecture. Dr. Marcello Mogetta, chair of classics, archaeology, and religion at the University of Missouri, who was not involved in the research, emphasized that these findings challenge long-held assumptions about urban living in ancient Rome.
“Tower-like structures do appear in Pompeian wall paintings representing urban landscapes, though these have traditionally been dismissed as artistic fantasy,” Mogetta said. “The proposed reconstruction challenges that assumption. If accurate, it means those painted scenes may have reflected the real cityscape more closely than we thought.”
The ongoing project aims to digitally reconstruct as many buildings as possible to preserve Pompeii’s cultural heritage. With over 13,000 rooms excavated since the mid-18th century and one-third of the ancient city still buried, the use of digital tools is proving essential in monitoring conservation efforts and understanding the site’s historical significance.
As research progresses, the hope is to enhance knowledge about Pompeii and its inhabitants, offering valuable insights into the past while ensuring that future generations can appreciate this remarkable archaeological treasure.
