How the Pompeii Body Casts Were Created

The iconic plaster casts of Pompeii's victims were made by pouring liquid plaster into the voids left by decomposed bodies in the volcanic ash. The process, pioneered by archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli in the 18th century, involves:

1. Carefully excavating the body cavity.
2. Coating the void with liquid plaster.
3. Building a metal support frame.
4. Pouring more plaster over the frame.
5. Allowing the plaster to harden for days.
6. Removing the hardened cast.
7. Cleaning and restoring the cast.

The resulting figures capture the victims' final moments in haunting detail, providing invaluable insights into life and death in AD 79.