An ancient beach that was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius almost 2,000 years ago has reopened to the public following restoration work.
The beach at the Herculaneum archaeological park is believed to be the place where more than 300 men tried in vain to save themselves from the natural disaster of 79 AD while awaiting rescue by a civil protection force led by the admiral and illustrious Roman scholar Pliny, the old man.
It reopened to the public on Wednesday after years of archaeological excavations and restoration work, during which human remains and other evidence of the eruption were discovered.
“It was not just a restoration work, but also a great research work because we know that representing a site, in an open-air archaeological site, also means being able to delve deeper into scientific aspects: we carried out excavations and found traces and the passage of pyroclastic flows that reached the city in 79 AD with materials of all types,” said the director of the Herculaneum archaeological park, Francesco Sirano.
The most important discovery in Herculaneum was that of the “last fugitive” that occurred in 2021: the skeleton of a man around 40 years old who was probably trying to escape to the sea and who was carrying a bag containing his most precious possessions. objects.
“Herculaneum, Pompeii, Oplontis: we are working on many projects,” Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said Wednesday.
“In the budget law we refinanced the excavations and there are shipyards that are active like never before and that reveal new treasures, which fuel the activity of academics.”
“We believe in all of this: in creating, connecting, strengthening this area that UNESCO has also recognized as of great value and which is one of the most important archaeological areas in the world. Because we are convinced that this will represent an opportunity for socioeconomic development,” he added.
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