CT scans identify Roman doctor among Pompeii plaster cast victims. In 1961, archaeologists at Pompeii identified an outdoor garden with 14 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

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)

Key Facts

  • In 1961, archaeologists at Pompeii identified an outdoor garden with 14 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)
  • AI-assisted CT scans and 3D reconstructions were used non-destructively
  • The box had a sophisticated locking system with a toothed wheel

Related site: Pompeii — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.

Source: Latest #Archaeology Discoveries: May 2026 by Inside Archaeology