Mummified skeleton of former slave discovered in Pompeii tomb. The following is an article in today's Daily Telegraph (UK):
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2021/08/17/mummified-skeleton-former-slave-discovered-pompeii-tomb/I don't know if you will be able to follow the link as the newspaper does normally have a paywall, so I will copy certain sections below (@Daily Telegraph):
"A partially mummified skeleton of a former slave, with
his hair and one ear remarkably well preserved, has been discovered by archaeologists in an imposing tomb in Pompeii.
The discovery casts new light on the cultural mix of the ancient city, and raises fresh questions about its funerary rites and the degree to which slaves were able to become respected
members of society after being given their freedom.
Archaeologists said it was one of the best preserved skeletons ever found at Pompeii, the
Roman town which was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius nearly 2,000 years ago.
A marble
inscription names the skeleton as
Marcus Venerius Secundio, who is cited in a wax tablet archive as a former slave who became a custodian of the Temple of
Venus after being released from servitude."