• New evidence shows people returned to live in the ruins of Pompeii after the eruption.
• Informal settlements were established among the ruins, lacking typical Roman infrastructure.
• The reoccupied area continued until the 5th century, according to archaeologists.
• 15-20% of Pompeii's population died during the 79 AD eruption, primarily from thermal shock.
• Pompeii remains a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site with millions of annual visitors.

Recent archaeological discoveries at Pompeii indicate that some survivors of the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD returned to live among the ruins. Archaeologists suggest that many of these individuals could not afford to start anew elsewhere and may have been joined by others in search of valuable artifacts left behind in the destruction. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the site, noted that the findings reveal a post-eruption Pompeii characterized by informal settlements, existing without the typical infrastructure and services of a Roman city, which persisted until its complete abandonment in the 5th century, according to Le Monde, BBC, and CBS News.

An estimated 15 to 20% of Pompeii's population died in the eruption, most due to thermal shock from a cloud of ash and gases that enveloped the city. Evidence of the city’s reoccupation was previously noted but often overlooked in the quest to explore more recognizable aspects of Pompeii, such as its colorful frescoes. Zuchtriegel remarked that the physical remains of the city tell a complex story, where the post-79 environment resembled “a kind of camp, a favela among the still recognizable ruins,” according to Le Monde, BBC, and CBS News.

The preservation of Pompeii under volcanic ash has provided a unique glimpse into ancient Roman life, making it one of Italy's most prominent tourist destinations, with over 4.17 million visitors last year. Despite the disaster, the site continues to yield new insights and artifacts, enhancing our understanding of the human experiences during and after the volcanic eruptions, as noted in reports from Le Monde, BBC, and CBS News.