They also unearthed the hidden lives of its deceased inhabitants! When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, the devastation it caused was unprecedented. Around 2,000 people died in Pompeii and 300 are known to have died in Herculaneum, however, the entire death toll could have been around 16,000.
One of the most fascinating discoveries was a giraffe bone, which illustrated how the wealthy people of Pompeii sought after the most exotic food for their dinners made possible by imports from far-flung areas.