A remarkable discovery has been made following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Researchers found that the brain of a man from Herculaneum was partly turned into glass. This unusual occurrence was uncovered when scientists examined the remains of a man believed to be the custodian of the College of the Augustales, a building dedicated to Emperor Augustus.
The eruption of Vesuvius was catastrophic, burying Herculaneum and the nearby city of Pompeii under volcanic ash and mud. It is estimated that thousands lost their lives during this event, which preserved many artifacts and remains for future study. The custodian was found in his bed, likely killed by the intense heat and ash cloud that swept through the area.
Recent examinations of his remains revealed dark, glassy fragments in his skull, resembling obsidian. This glass was formed through a process called vitrification, which occurs when organic material is exposed to extremely high temperatures—over 510°C (950°F)—and then cools rapidly. Forensic anthropologist Pier Paolo Petrone, who led the study, noted that this is the only known case of human brain material turning to glass.
The discovery highlights the extreme conditions during the eruption. The super-hot ash cloud likely descended quickly, killing the inhabitants almost instantly. Petrone explained that the glass formed allowed for the preservation of the brain’s biological structures, providing a unique opportunity for researchers to study ancient human remains.
While other cases of vitrification have been found, such as with wood, this is the first time organic human remains have been discovered in such a state. The findings not only shed light on the tragic events of that day but also open doors for further research into the effects of volcanic eruptions on human remains.
This extraordinary find emphasizes the power of nature and the stories that lie beneath the ashes of history, waiting to be uncovered.