PR-2237IRE Ancient Rome

Excavations at Pompeii
From 1861 the Italian authorities treated the discovery of Pompeii more seriously, for much damage had
been done by previous excavations. It is now regarded as one of the most important archaeological sites
because its ruins are so well preserved. Giuseppe Fiorella, a man from nearby Naples, was appointed Chief
Archaeologist and he introduced new methods at the digs.
Cut out the boxes and glue in correct order on another sheet of paper.
Hot wet ash
The dead body is soon covered with layers of
ash and stones.
Ash and pumice stones (solidified lava) rain
down on a fleeing victim soon to be overcome
by poisonous fumes.
When the plaster solidifies, it can be dug
carefully out of the soil.
Plaster
Liquid plaster is then poured in to fill the
cavity.
The surface soil is cleared and when a cavity is
detected the archaeologist carefully drills a
narrow shaft down to it.
Build-up of soil over centuries
Hardened ash
Decayed body leaves a
hollow shape
The depth of soil above the cavity deepens as
the years pass.
Activity Box
Procedure
Fiorella’s method
1. Find a strong cardboard box and an irregularly shaped balloon.
2. Mix sand and cement powder with water in proportions that won’t set too hard.
3. Inflate the balloon and place it in the cardboard box.
4. Pour the mixture over the balloon so a small piece of the balloon can be seen protruding out of the
mixture.
5. Allow the mixture to harden.
6. Prick the exposed part of the balloon with a pin so it deflates.
7. Poor in some liquid plaster and allow it to set hard.
8. Carefully dig away the cement mixture (as Fiorella did) which represents the soil. What did you find?
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