Ancient Beach Destroyed by Mount Vesuvius Eruption Reopens After Restoration

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 28, 2024 15:30 PMNews
Share:
Boat on the sea in front of Vesuvius
Boat on the sea in front of Vesuvius. Source: Photo by Aashish Pareek on Unsplash

An ancient beach, obliterated by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago, has been restored and is now open to the public.

 

This beach, part of the Herculaneum archaeological park, is historically significant as it is believed to be the site where over 300 individuals sought refuge from the devastating eruption in 79AD. They awaited rescue by a civil protection force led by the renowned Roman admiral and scholar, Pliny the Elder.

 

Reopened on Wednesday, the beach has undergone extensive archaeological excavations and restoration. During this period, numerous human remains and artifacts from the eruption were uncovered. Francesco Sirano, director of the Herculaneum archaeological park, highlighted the dual nature of the project: it was both a restoration and a significant research endeavor. "Re-presenting a site in an open-air archaeological context also means delving into scientific aspects. We carried out excavations, discovered remains, and traced the passage of pyroclastic flows that struck the city in 79AD, revealing materials of all kinds," Sirano stated.

 

Among the most remarkable discoveries at Herculaneum was the "last fugitive," found in 2021. This skeleton belonged to a man around 40 years old who appeared to be fleeing towards the sea, carrying a bag of his most valuable possessions.

 

Italian Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, emphasized the ongoing efforts and significance of the excavations. "We are working on many projects in Herculaneum, Pompeii, and Oplontis," Sangiuliano said on Wednesday. He added, "The budget law has refinanced the excavations, and numerous active construction sites are uncovering new treasures, enhancing scholarly activities."

 

Sangiuliano also spoke about the broader impact of these projects, stating, "We believe in creating, connecting, and strengthening this area, which UNESCO recognizes as highly valuable. This is one of the world's most important archaeological regions. We are convinced that this will offer opportunities for socio-economic development."

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM