Researchers extracted ancient DNA from parts of the skulls of both sets of remains. Though the team sequenced DNA from both individuals, only the man's skull yielded sufficient DNA for a full analysis, Scorrano said. Prior to this study, only short stretches of human and animal DNA from Pompeii had been sequenced.
After comparing the sample against genomes from 1,030 ancient, and 471 modern Western Eurasian individuals, researchers found the man's genome had similarities to modern central Italians, as well as to other groups living in Italy during the Roman Imperial age. However, some genes from the sample matched genes commonly found in people who lived on the island of Sardinia, rather than on mainland Italy, which experts say suggests more genetic diversity across the Italy at the time. ...
Researchers believe Vesuvius' blanket of ash entombed the bodies, shielding the ancient DNA from environmental factors that can deteriorate it, such as oxygen. "The sample had been covered by the ash from this eruption. The preservation of the bones is actually really good — they're perfect for collection in DNA study," Scorrano told Insider.
The sample also showed possible signs of tuberculosis of the spine, or Pott's disease — which was endemic in Roman times, but is rare in the archaeological record, since the disease rarely leaves a mark on the bones.
"It seems, according to the bioarchaeologist, that maybe this kind of disease didn't allow them to try to escape," Scorrano told Insider, adding, "They died in this position because they didn't have the chance to run away."
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