A richly decorated room, likely a triclinium or dining area used for banquets, has been unearthed at Pompeii. The frescoes adorning the walls depict scenes related to the Dionysian mysteries, including the initiation rites and a vibrant Dionysiac procession. Archaeologists believe the room, located in a domus (house) under excavation since 2018, provides valuable insights into the religious practices and social life of the city's inhabitants before the eruption of Vesuvius. The detailed frescoes, featuring figures like Dionysus, satyrs, maenads, and Pan, are remarkably well-preserved and offer a unique glimpse into this ancient cult.
Analysis of a victim's remains from Herculaneum, a town destroyed by the Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD, revealed that the extreme heat of the pyroclastic flow vitrified the victim's brain tissue, turning it into a glassy substance. This is the first time this phenomenon has been observed in archaeological remains. The victim, believed to be a man in his 20s, was found lying face down on a wooden bed, likely killed instantly by the intense heat. The glassy material found in his skull, analyzed to be mostly fatty acids and human brain proteins, provides unique insight into the extreme temperatures reached during the eruption and their effects on human tissue.
HN commenters discuss the plausibility of the victim's brain vitrifying, with several expressing skepticism due to the required temperatures and rapid cooling. Some point out that other organic materials like wood don't typically vitrify in these circumstances, and question the lack of similar findings in other Vesuvius victims. One commenter with experience in glass production notes the differences between natural glass formation (like obsidian) and the creation of glass from organic matter. Others discuss the ethics of displaying human remains and the potential for further research to confirm or refute the vitrification claim. Some commenters also highlight the gruesome yet fascinating nature of the discovery and the unique glimpse it provides into the destruction of Pompeii.
Researchers have reconstructed the face of St. Thomas Aquinas using 3D modeling based on his skull, offering a glimpse of his appearance 750 years after his death. Analysis also suggests he suffered from a chronic ear infection and severe osteoarthritis, possibly contributing to his demise. While the cause of death remains uncertain, these findings provide valuable insight into the health and physical characteristics of the influential theologian and philosopher.
HN commenters discuss the methodology used to reconstruct Aquinas's face, with some skepticism about its accuracy given the reliance on skull shape alone and the potential for subjective interpretation by the artists. Several commenters point out the irony of reconstructing the face of a theologian who emphasized the immaterial soul over physical appearance. Others question the significance of the project, while some express interest in the historical and forensic aspects. A few commenters debate the cause of death, with one suggesting it might have been a stroke rather than the reported "cerebral stroke" mentioned in some historical accounts. Overall, the comments express a mixture of curiosity, doubt, and philosophical reflection on the nature of identity and the limits of historical reconstruction.
Analysis of Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy discovered in the Alps, revealed the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi DNA, the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. This makes Ötzi the oldest known case of Lyme disease. While the exact strain he carried is unknown and the extent to which the disease affected him remains unclear, the discovery pushes back the known history of Lyme disease significantly. This finding provides valuable insight into the evolution and long history of the disease, demonstrating that it has affected humans for millennia.
HN commenters discuss the challenges of definitively diagnosing ancient diseases like Lyme disease, given the limitations of analyzing ancient DNA and the potential for contamination. Some question whether Ötzi actually had Lyme disease, citing the possibility of other tick-borne illnesses with similar symptoms. The discussion also touches on the evolution of diseases and the prevalence of Lyme disease in the past, with some suggesting its current prevalence may be due to factors like habitat fragmentation and climate change. Finally, there's a brief exchange about the efficacy of different Lyme disease treatments.
Summary of Comments ( 58 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43239284
Hacker News users discussed the exciting discovery of a fresco depicting Dionysian mysteries at Pompeii, expressing particular interest in the high level of preservation and vibrant colors. Some commenters speculated about the room's purpose, suggesting it may have been used for initiation rites or other cultic activities related to the Dionysian mysteries. Others focused on the historical context, drawing parallels to other archaeological finds and discussing the significance of Dionysus in Roman culture. Several users expressed a desire to visit the site and see the fresco in person. There was also some lighthearted discussion of the potential for hallucinogenic substances to have been involved in the rituals depicted.
The Hacker News post titled "Discovery of fresco portraying Dionysian mysteries at Pompeii" has generated several comments discussing various aspects of the discovery.
One commenter points out the interesting connection between the location of the discovery—a service area near a bakery—and the Dionysian mysteries, which were closely associated with bread and wine. They speculate about potential rituals involving these elements being performed in the room.
Another comment highlights the long-spanning influence of the Dionysian mysteries, suggesting their presence in southern Italy across a significant period. They also note the fresco's depiction of a procession, possibly related to the mysteries.
Several commenters focus on the intriguing nature of the Dionysian mysteries themselves, describing them as "secret rites" and expressing curiosity about their practices. The secrecy surrounding these rituals contributes to the discovery's allure.
One commenter shares a personal anecdote about visiting Pompeii and experiencing the profound impact of the site's preservation, which allows for a glimpse into the past. This emphasizes the significance of such discoveries in connecting with history.
Another commenter expresses enthusiasm for the ongoing archaeological work at Pompeii, highlighting the continuous uncovering of new findings and the evolving understanding of Roman history.
A thread develops regarding the distinction between the public and esoteric aspects of the Dionysian cult, with one commenter suggesting that the mysteries were likely exclusive to initiates while public festivals were more widely accessible. Others offer additional insights into the nature of mystery cults in ancient Greece and Rome.
A technical discussion emerges about the challenges of preserving ancient frescoes and the potential impact of tourism on the site's delicate remains. This raises concerns about the long-term conservation of Pompeii.
Finally, some comments simply express awe and appreciation for the beauty and artistry of the discovered fresco, acknowledging the skill and talent of the ancient artists who created it.