Victims of quake that hit with Pompeii eruption found

(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 16 - Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of two people at the Pompeii archaeological site who are thought to have been victims of an earthquake that accompanied the 79AD Mount Vesuvius eruption which buried the ancient Roman city, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the archaeological site, said on Tuesday.
    The skeletons were found during excavations at the Insula of the Chaste Lovers (Insula dei Casti Amanti).
    They were lying on one side in what archaeologists say was a disused service room where they had taken refuge in search of safety.
    Data suggests both died from multiple fractures sustained after parts of the building collapsed.
    "Modern excavation techniques help us to understand increasingly better the inferno that destroyed the entire city of Pompeii in two days, killing many inhabitants," Zuchtriegel said.
    The remains are said to be of men aged at least 55, and one had the remains of a cloth bundle containing six coins and five necklace beads around his neck.
    In the same room archaeologists also found an amphora and a collection of vases, bowls and jugs.
    The collapsed masonry and remaining standing walls also show strong evidence of the strength of the earthquake that accompanied the eruption.
    One of the pair was found with his arm up as if warding off a collapsing wall. (ANSA).