Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE and buried Pompeii under volcanic ash. The ash preserved buildings, objects and organic remains, which allows scientists to study everyday life and material use in unusually fine detail.
Researchers analysed ash residues from two incense burners found in Pompeii and a nearby villa. The study was led by Johannes Eber at the University of Zurich, with biomolecular work by Maxime Rageot from the University of Bonn; LMU archaeologist Philipp W. Stockhammer said his ERC research group initiated the project. The team applied a range of modern laboratory methods, combining chemical and microscopic techniques to link molecular data with archaeological context.
The analyses identified both regional plant remains and imported materials. In one vessel the team detected an exotic tree resin that probably originates in tropical regions of Africa or Asia. Molecular tests also revealed a grape product in one incense burner, a result that fits with evidence for wine in Roman ritual practice.
The study highlights Pompeii's place in broad trade networks and shows how imported materials were used in household altars. Pompeii Archaeological Park recently opened a permanent exhibition of organic finds, and park director Gabriel Zuchtriegel stressed that collaboration with other sciences can reveal many aspects of life in the ancient city. The research appears in Antiquity (source: University of Zurich).
Difficult words
- residue — small remains or traces left after a processresidues
- resin — sticky substance produced by certain trees
- biomolecular — relating to molecules in living organisms
- ritual — formal action done for religious reasons
- trade network — system of links for buying and sellingtrade networks
- archaeological — relating to study of past human remains
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How does the discovery of imported materials in household altars change what we know about Pompeii's connections with other regions?
- What advantages do collaborations between archaeologists and scientific laboratories offer when studying ancient sites like Pompeii?
- Why is preserving organic finds important for archaeology, and what challenges might museums face when displaying them?
Related articles
Why Rechargeable Batteries Lose Performance
Researchers found that repeated charging and discharging makes batteries expand and contract, causing tiny shape changes and stress. This “chemomechanical degradation” and spreading strain reduce performance and shorten battery life, and imaging revealed how it happens.
Logging and illegal timber threaten Cameroon's forests
Cameroon's forests face growing pressure from both legal and illegal logging, plus expanding agriculture and timber trafficking. Exports have shifted from Europe to Asia, enforcement is weak, and the situation harms biodiversity, communities and state revenues.
