sent to Pompeii from across the Roman Empire. “It’s always good when we have new data,” Gallello said. “This opens again the doors [to] a new way to think about the history of the population at Pompeii.”

This new study probed the DNA evidence that has been taken from some of these bodies. The team used the same strontium isotopes that were used to date the DNA samples to get a better understanding of the diversity and origins of Pompeii’s residents.

Researchers also confirmed Pompeii citizens came from diverse backgrounds but primarily descended from easter Mediterranean immigrants, underscoring a broad pattern of movement and cultural exchange in the Roman Empire. Pompeii is located about 150 miles ...