The Stratigraphic Method
One of Fiorelli's most significant contributions to archaeology was his development of the stratigraphic method. Prior to his work, excavators often conducted haphazard digs that lacked a systematic approach. Fiorelli, however, realized the importance of understanding the layers of earth in which artifacts were found. By studying these layers, or “strata,” he was able to determine the chronological order of events and structures in Pompeii, creating a more accurate historical record of the city’s life and eventual destruction.
Fiorelli’s stratigraphic method allowed archaeologists to understand the relative age of various artifacts, buildings, and even the destruction caused by the eruption. This approach made it possible to reconstruct the history of Pompeii in greater detail, leading to a more organized and scientific understanding of ancient Roman life.
The Preservation of Pompeii’s Plaster Casts
Another of Fiorelli's most enduring legacies is his creation of the plaster casts of Pompeii’s victims. When Fiorelli began excavating the city, he noticed that many of the bodies of Pompeii’s inhabitants had been preserved in the volcanic ash that buried the city. Over time, the bodies had decayed, leaving behind hollow spaces in the ash.
Fiorelli had the idea to pour plaster into these voids to create casts of the victims, capturing their final moments in incredible detail. These casts provide a unique and poignant insight into the tragedy of the eruption, showing the positions of the victims as they tried to escape or sought refuge. Fiorelli's plaster casts remain some of the most powerful and emotional artifacts from Pompeii, offering a direct connection to the lives lost in the disaster. shutdown123