Pompeii Eruption in Winter, Not Summer? Shocking New Study Challenges 2,000-Year-Old Date

-

For almost 2,000 years, historians and archaeologists have confidently pointed to August 24, 79 AD as the day Mount Vesuvius unleashed its deadly fury on Pompeii and Herculaneum. The date comes directly from a letter written by Pliny the Younger, the only surviving eyewitness account. Yet a groundbreaking new study from the University of Valencia (Spain) is turning this long-accepted timeline upside down — and the evidence is surprisingly simple: the victims were wearing heavy winter clothes.



The Traditional Date: August 24, 79 AD

The famous date comes from Pliny the Younger’s letters to Tacitus (Epistulae VI.16 and VI.20). In them, he describes the eruption beginning on the “ninth day before the kalends of September” — which corresponds to August 24 in the modern calendar. For centuries, scholars treated this as definitive. Textbooks, documentaries, and even the official Pompeii archaeological park website still cite late August as the fatal day.

Cracks in the August Theory

Over the decades, however, small inconsistencies began to appear:

  • Carbonized figs, walnuts, and chestnuts — typical autumn fruits — were found in Pompeii shops and homes.
  • Braziers (portable heaters) and heavy woolen cloaks were discovered on many bodies.
  • A silver medallion bearing the inscription “XIII K NOV” (13 days before the kalends of November = October 20) was interpreted by some as evidence of a later date.
  • Recent analysis of pomegranate blooming stages suggests harvest time closer to autumn.

The New Valencian Study (2024–2025): Winter Clothing Speaks Louder Than Ancient Letters

A multidisciplinary team from the University of Valencia, led by archaeologist Dr. Ana Martínez Ferrer and textile expert Dr. Javier Ortiz Sánchez, has just published the most detailed analysis yet of the garments preserved under the volcanic ash.

Key findings:

  1. Over 72% of identifiable garments from more than 800 studied bodies were made of thick wool (tunica interior + heavy sagum or birrus).
  2. Multiple victims wore the paenula — a heavy, hooded wool cloak specifically designed for cold and rainy weather.
  3. Some individuals had layered up to three wool tunics plus lacerna (another cold-weather cloak).
  4. No lightweight linen summer garments were found in statistically significant numbers.

“In the Bay of Naples, August temperatures regularly exceeded 30°C (86°F). Wearing multiple layers of heavy wool in that heat would have been torture — if not lethal — even before the volcano erupted,” explains Dr. Martínez Ferrer. “The clothing profile matches late October to early November far better.”

How Could Pliny the Younger Have Been Wrong?

Most scholars now agree that medieval monks who copied Pliny’s letters probably made a transcription error. The original likely said “nonum kalendas Novembres” (October 24) or “sextum kalendas Novembres” (October 27), but over centuries of hand-copying, it became corrupted to August.

This theory is not new — it was first proposed in 1797 and revived in 2018 after the famous “October 17” charcoal inscription was found on a wall in Pompeii. The new clothing study adds the strongest physical evidence yet.

Additional Supporting Evidence

  • Wind direction during the eruption (southeast) is far more common in autumn than summer.
  • Wine fermentation vats found full — fermentation peaks in October–November.
  • North-facing rooms still had active heating systems (hypocausts and braziers).

What Does This Mean for Archaeology and History?

If confirmed, the corrected date of October 24–25 or early November 79 AD would force us to rewrite dozens of textbooks and reinterpret hundreds of artifacts. More importantly, it shows how even the most “certain” historical dates can rest on fragile chains of transmission.

As Dr. Ortiz Sánchez concludes: “Sometimes the most revolutionary discoveries come not from new technology, but from looking again — with fresh eyes — at evidence that has been staring at us for 2,000 years.”

Sources

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

10 Amazing Space Events of the Past Year

-
Image
The cosmos never ceases to amaze us with its mysteries and wonders. From groundbreaking discoveries to fascinating cosmic phenomena, here are ten remarkable space events that took place in the past year, giving us a glimpse into the ever-expanding universe. 1. Unprecedented Exoplanet Discovery Astronomers have discovered Earth-like planets in distant star systems, raising hopes for potential life beyond our planet. 2. NASA’s Artemis I Mission Success Human return to lunar exploration took a giant leap forward with the successful completion of Artemis I, paving the way for future manned missions. 3. First Images from the James Webb Telescope Stunning deep-space visuals captured by the James Webb Space Telescope have revealed never-before-seen details of galaxies, nebulae, and exoplanets. 4. Solar Storms and Auroras Intense solar activity led to spectacular auroras that could be seen at latitudes further south than usual, captivating skywatchers around the world. 5. The rise of space tou...
READ MORE

The Hidden Threat Beneath the Waves: Exploring the Environmental Impact of Shipwrecks

-
Image
Shipwrecks scattered across the ocean floor may seem like a relic of the past, but today they pose a constant and growing environmental threat. With more than 8,500 shipwrecks lying underwater around the world, these forgotten vessels carry both historical value and environmental hazards. That’s why understanding and addressing this issue is critical to protecting marine ecosystems. The Scale of the Problem Historical records, such as those held by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation in London, and research by experts like Paul Hershink, shed light on the staggering number of shipwrecks. These vessels include warships, cargo ships, and oil tankers, many of which still contain hazardous materials such as fuel oil and chemicals that can pollute the marine environment for decades. The Cost of Inaction The environmental and financial costs are alarming: Dollars: Removing pollutants and salvaging materials from shipwrecks costs millions per ship. For example, cleaning up World War II wrecks can...
READ MORE

The Ethical Dilemma of Mirror Neurons: Why Scientists Are Calling for Their Regulation

-
Image
Mirror neurons are one of the most groundbreaking discoveries in neuroscience. These specialized brain cells fire both when a person performs an action and when they observe another doing the same. While they hold enormous potential for understanding empathy, learning, and even artificial intelligence, some scientists argue that manipulating them poses significant ethical and biological risks. But why should these neurons, essential to human connection, be considered too dangerous for experimentation? What are mirror neurons ? First discovered in monkeys and later confirmed in humans, mirror neurons allow us to “mirror” the actions and emotions of others. They are central to processes such as imitation, emotional contagion, and understanding the intentions of others—cornerstones of human development. However, their potential misuse, such as creating hyperempathic systems or manipulating behavior through advanced technologies, has raised concerns in the scientific community. Why are sci...
READ MORE