The DNA analysis of individuals who died in Pompeii, the ancient Roman city decimated by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, has revealed that historical assumptions were incorrect. New findings indicate that some victims believed to be mother-child or family members were not actually related, shedding light on the genetic diversity of the Pompeii population. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD obliterated the city of Pompeii, resulting in the deaths of thousands. The thick layer of ash preserved the body shapes of those who perished in the disaster for centuries. Since 1863, scientists have been filling cavities formed beneath the layers of ash with plaster to reveal the casts of 104 victims. However, research recently published in the journal Current Biology showed that DNA analysis contradicted previous assumptions. By analyzing the DNA of 14 victims, researchers determined that individuals presumed to be mother-child or family members were not actually related. For example, in a house where an adult with a gold bracelet and a child in their arms were assumed to be a mother and child, it was discovered that all of these individuals were males and not related to each other. Another example is of two individuals who were thought to be sisters or mother-daughter as they were found embracing each other. However, it was determined that at least one of them was male and there was no maternal kinship connection between them. Previous analyses had erroneously concluded that an elderly beggar was actually a young child, and a woman believed to be pregnant simply had clothing-induced swelling. Such incorrect interpretations were leading to stories unrelated to the real lives of the Pompeii population. Archaeologist Estelle Lazer, who participated in the research, noted that past studies were based on superficial examinations and stated, “Science allows us to understand the real lives of victims; this is a much more respectful approach than turning them into story material.” Alissa Mittnik, one of the authors of the study, highlighted that some individuals had origins in the Eastern Mediterranean. Genetic analysis revealed that the people living in Pompeii resembled populations from the Aegean or the Levant, indicating they were likely descendants of migrants. The researchers attribute the genetic diversity of the Pompeii population to slavery and trade networks. Gianni Gallello from the University of Valencia in Spain, who was not involved in the study, believes that the lack of kinship connections among the individuals examined could be due to them being slaves.