CT scans identify Roman doctor among Pompeii plaster cast victims

CT scans of a Pompeii plaster cast from the 1961-1962 excavation of the Garden of the Fugitives, located near the Nucerian Gate, revealed a hidden box with Roman coins, surgical instruments, and a slate slab — matching known medicus kits. The toothed-wheel lock and AI-assisted 3D reconstruction confirmed the victim was likely a Roman doctor.

Key facts:

- In 1961-1962, archaeologists at Pompeii identified an outdoor garden with 13 adults and children killed at the Nucerian Gate by hot gas, ash, and rock from Mount Vesuvius ~2,000 years ago

- Plaster casts of the victims were made from cavities left after flesh rotted away

- CT and X-ray scans of a small case hidden inside one cast revealed an organic box with metal elements, a fabric bag of bronze and silver coins, and metal surgical instruments

- A small slate slab found could have been used for mixing medicine or cosmetics

- The instruments match known Roman doctor's kits, supporting identification of the victim as a medicus (Roman doctor)