Skeleton discovered in Pompeii shows first evidence of Greek language

Archaeologists in Pompeii have discovered a well-preserved skeleton during excavations of a tomb in the east of the ancient city’s urban center. 

A skull, as well as bones and fabric fragments, were found in the tomb in the necropolis of Porta Sarno. 

An inscription of the tomb suggests that its owner, a freed slave named Marcus Venerius Secundio, helped organise performances in Greek Pompeii. 

Experts say it is the first confirmation that the Greek language was used alongside Latin at the time. 

“That performances in Greek were organised is evidence of the lively and open cultural climate which characterised ancient Pompeii,” the director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, said in a statement announcing the discovery.

Mr. Zuchtriegel said Marcus Venerius clearly had been able to make a living for himself after he was freed as a slave, given the “monumental” size of his burial tomb.

“He didn’t become super rich, but certainly he reached a considerable level of wealth,” Mr Zuchtriegel said in an interview with the Associated Press. 

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD destroyed Pompeii. 

Source: ABC News