Ancient cosmetics, coins, mouse skeletons found in Pompeii home shed light on life before deadly eruption

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1. 2h ago

   Archaeologists uncover personal relics in sealed Pompeii cupboard

   Archaeologists excavating the House of Cornelius Maximus discovered a sealed cupboard containing personal items untouched since the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The find includes a beauty kit with perfume bottles, 38 bronze coins, and a child's necklace featuring at least 24 childhood amulets known as crepundia. These amulets are made from rock crystal, glass paste, earthenware, and bone. Additionally, the wardrobe contained cooking pots and the skeletons of two mice, providing a detailed glimpse into domestic life immediately preceding the disaster.

   Why it matters

   The city of Pompeii was buried under meters of volcanic ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Because the ash hardened around organic materials, it preserved the shape of structures like this wardrobe even after the wood rotted away. Such finds allow researchers to reconstruct the daily habits and possessions of Roman citizens.

   What is confirmed

   • The sealed cupboard was found in the House of Cornelius Maximus.
   • The wardrobe contained 38 bronze coins.
   • A necklace consisting of at least 24 childhood amulets, called crepundia, was recovered.
   • The amulets are composed of bone, rock crystal, earthenware, and glass paste.
   • The discovery includes cosmetics, perfume bottles, and cooking pots.
   • Two mouse skeletons were found inside the wardrobe.
   • The items remained untouched since the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

   What to watch next

   • Analysis of the specific types of cosmetics found in the beauty kit
   • Further excavation of the House of Cornelius Maximus for additional household relics
   Sources used for this update (19)

   1. www.ancient-origins.net — Ancient Origins | Latest Archaeology & Ancient Discoveries
   2. Euronews.com — In Pompeii, a woman's wardrobe resurfaces with beauty items and jewels
   3. Reuters — Pompeii cupboard opens window onto life before Vesuvius erupted
   4. BBC Science Focus Magazine — 'Thought to be lost forever': After 2,000 years, a library buried by Pompeii’s eruption is finally revealing its secrets
   5. The Independent — A cupboard sealed for 2,000 years reveals the secrets of Pompeii before deadly volcano
   6. CBS News — Ancient cosmetics, coins, mouse skeletons found in Pompeii home shed light on life before deadly eruption
   7. Archaeology News Online Magazine — Pompeii wardrobe found untouched since 79 CE holds a woman's keepsakes, coins, and two mice
   8. The Independent — Ancient cupboard sealed for 2,000 years sheds light on Pompeii before Vesuvius' deadly eruption
   9. The Guardian — Perfume bottle and child’s necklace among treasures found in Pompeii wardrobe
   10. www.cbsnews.com — Ancient cosmetics, coins, mouse skeletons found in Pompeii ...
   11. www.labrujulaverde.com — A Pompeii Wardrobe Left Behind in the Eruption Held a ...
   12. www.ancient-origins.net — A Sealed Cupboard in Pompeii Held Childhood Amulets and 38 Coins That Were Never Collected
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