Changing Interpretations: Research and New Technologies

Question 1

Focus

5

Answer 1

• Preserving the fragile, non-renewable energy already excavated
• Documenting the wall paintings and wall-inscriptions which had not disappeared
• Utilising a more selective sampling approach and careful probing beneath the already exposed
• Using non-invasive methods and building conservation projects from the first assessment
• Remembering they have a responsibility to the public

Question 2

The Use of New Technologies and Specialists

Answer 2

• Surveyors, artists, architects, photographers, urban planners etc.
• Chemical and physical scientists studied the composition of glass, metal, mortar, plaster, pigments and organic ingredients
• Anthropologists, osteologists, geneticists, forensic archaeologists and DNA experts explore the composition/density of populations, nature of diseases and nutrition
• Seismologists, vulcanologists, geologists study earth movements, phases of the eruption and seismic impacts on buildings and site
• Mechanical scientists and water experts study drainage systems
• Botanists, zoologists, agricultural scientists, dendrochronologists study the natural environment- flora- fauna: their uses and types, types of timbers used and age
• Historians study written sources for the history
• Computer scientists and program developers facilitate documentation, storage and analysis of information, draw plans and maps, create digital models
• Conservators and curators safeguard the material and epigraphic remains to ensure they are available for the future

Question 3

New Research and Changing Interpretation Questions

Answer 3

• What was the population size?
• What was the socio-economic status of the population?
• Were Pompeii and Herculaneum trading cities?
• Was the eruption of 79CE a surprise?