In the vast network of historical and scientific debates, few enigmas have sparked as much fascination as the exact date of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius that buried the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD. This catastrophic event continues to be a subject of study and controversy among archaeologists, historians, and natural science experts. A recent report published by the Archaeological Park of Pompeii reopens this discussion with a critical and multidisciplinary approach, questioning the certainties accepted so far.

The traditionally accepted date for the tragedy, August 24th, 79 AD, comes from the correspondence of Pliny the Younger, the only contemporary witness to document the catastrophe in his letters. However, recent research has revealed inconsistencies in the transmission of this information. According to the report, philological studies have shown that the original manuscripts exhibit variations, and some erroneous interpretations have led to alternative dates, such as October 24th or even November, all based on assumptions without solid foundations.

Archaeologist Gabriel Zuchtriegel and his team emphasize that the original manuscript tradition unequivocally indicates August 24th. However, this data, though firm in the texts, does not necessarily align with the archaeological evidence. Since the 18th century, findings in Pompeii and its surroundings have suggested the possibility of an autumn eruption, fostering fertile ground for academic debate.

Among the elements fueling this controversy are botanical, numismatic, and architectural discoveries. For instance, in 2018, a charcoal inscription dated October 17th was found in Pompeii’s House of the Garden. This led some researchers to suggest that the eruption might have occurred after this date. However, the recent report presents an experimental archaeology study demonstrating that these inscriptions could have lasted up to ten months, dismissing their use as conclusive evidence for an autumnal date.

Pompeii October
Graffiti found in Pompeii mentioning an October date. Credit: Parco Archeologico di Pompei

Similarly, the presence of fruits such as chestnuts and pomegranates, typical of autumn, in the archaeological strata of 79 AD, has been used to support the hypothesis of a late eruption. However, experts from the Archaeological Park argue that these findings must be interpreted in broader contexts, considering factors such as Roman agricultural and storage practices, which allowed products to be preserved for long periods. An intriguing example is the coexistence of peaches, associated with summer, and chestnuts, typical of autumn, in the same strata.

Likewise, soil and organic residue analyses have allowed the reconstruction of Roman agricultural practices, enriching the historical context but failing to resolve the dating dilemma. According to the authors, these investigations open new perspectives but require a multidisciplinary approach that integrates archaeological, climatic, and cultural data.

The report concludes that the debate over the exact date of the eruption should not focus on choosing between the different dates proposed by manuscript tradition or archaeological findings. Instead, it raises a more fundamental question: Is there sufficient evidence to refute the August 24th date transmitted by Pliny the Younger? So far, the answer appears to be no.

The researchers advocate for a more cautious and methodological approach, avoiding premature conclusions based on isolated or misinterpreted evidence. Rather than finding a definitive answer, our goal is to provide a solid foundation for rigorous and open academic debate, the authors note.

Ultimately, the report does not aim to settle the matter but to lay the groundwork for future research. With advances in analytical technologies and a more integrated approach, archaeology and related sciences could shed new light on this historical enigma.

SOURCES

Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Chiara Comegna, et al., La data della distruzione di Pompei: premesse per un dibattito aperto. E-Journal Scavi di Pompei (12.12.24)

  • Share on:

Discover more from LBV Magazine English Edition

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.

Follow LBV Magazine on Google News