The Most Famous Victim of Pompeii, Ranked

Choose the victim you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 18, 2024 08:22
Understanding the past often means delving into the minutiae of historical events to grasp their impact on today's society. The catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD buried the city of Pompeii, preserving a moment in time under layers of ash and pumice. Among the remnants are the casts of the victims, each telling a unique yet tragic tale of life and sudden demise. By ranking these victims, readers gain a curated insight into their stories, which helps to humanize the broad strokes of history. Voting for the most significant victim allows users to engage with history on a personal level, contributing to a collective remembrance. Each vote helps to highlight which stories resonate the most today, providing a dynamic feedback loop of historical engagement and learning.

Who Is the Most Famous Victim of Pompeii?

  1. 1
    55
    votes
    The couple is one of the most famous victims of Pompeii as their remains were found in a loving embrace. This poignant discovery has captured the hearts of people around the world.
  2. 2
    35
    votes
    Pliny the Elder
    Geoffrey · Public domain

    Pliny the Elder

    Russian River Brewing Company
    He was a Roman naturalist, who attempted to rescue people from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, but died in the process.
    Pliny the Elder is a highly acclaimed and sought-after double IPA (India Pale Ale) known for its exceptional taste and complexity. It is characterized by its balanced hop bitterness, intense hop aroma, and a strong malt backbone. This beer is named after the Roman naturalist, Pliny the Elder, who first documented hops in his Naturalis Historia. It is brewed by the Russian River Brewing Company, a craft brewery located in Santa Rosa, California, USA.
    • Style: Double IPA
    • Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 8.0% - 8.8%
    • International Bitterness Units (IBU): 90 - 100
    • Color: Golden to amber
    • Hops: Simcoe, Amarillo, Centennial, and CTZ (Columbus, Tomahawk, Zeus)
  3. 3
    18
    votes
    The remains of a dog were found huddled in a corner, a heartbreaking reminder of the tragedy that befell the city.
  4. 4
    13
    votes
    The Gladiator
    Jean-Léon Gérôme · Public domain
    A well-preserved skeleton of a gladiator was found, providing insight into the lives of these ancient warriors.
  5. 5
    17
    votes
    The Priestess of Isis
    Jacques Couche · Public domain
    A statue of a woman believed to be a priestess of the Egyptian goddess Isis was found in the ruins of Pompeii.
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    The Merchant
    Thomas Wyck · Public domain

    The Merchant

    Re-Logic
    The skeleton of a merchant was discovered with a large amount of coins, providing insight into the economic life of Pompeii.
    The Merchant is an important non-playable character (NPC) in the popular sandbox game Terraria. He can be found in towns or settlements and serves as a valuable resource for players. The Merchant provides a variety of useful items in exchange for coins, which players can acquire through gameplay. He has a distinctive appearance, wearing a blue robe and a turban, and is always accompanied by a small pet bunny.
    • Inventory: Offers a diverse selection of items, including weapons, tools, furniture, and consumables.
    • Currency: Accepts coins as the primary form of currency.
    • Random Events: Arrives in a world randomly, staying until certain conditions are met.
    • Housing Requirements: Requires a suitable house with furniture to move in.
    • Player Interaction: Can be spoken to and traded with, offering items for sale or buyback.
  7. 7
    13
    votes
    The remains of a man believed to be a mosaicist were found with his tools, providing insight into the art of mosaic-making in ancient Rome.
  8. 8
    1
    votes
    The Baker
    Finetooth · CC BY-SA 3.0
    A well-preserved bakery was discovered in Pompeii, complete with ovens and tools, providing insight into the daily lives of the city's residents.
  9. 9
    12
    votes
    The remains of a wealthy woman were found with a large amount of jewelry and other valuable items, providing insight into the social hierarchy of Pompeii.
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    The Children
    Acerview54 · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The remains of children were found throughout Pompeii, a tragic reminder of the impact the eruption had on families.

Missing your favorite victim?

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Ranking factors for famous victim

  1. Preservation
    The level of preservation of the victim's remains is crucial. The more intact the body is, the more information can be gleaned about the individual's appearance, clothing, and possibly cause of death.
  2. Identity
    If any clues exist regarding the identity of the victim, such as personal belongings or inscriptions found nearby, it can add to the person's fame. Individuals associated with prominent families or historical figures may attract more attention.
  3. Visibility
    The location of the victim's remains within Pompeii can significantly impact their fame. If the victim was discovered in a highly visible area or a significant building, their story may have reached a wider audience.
  4. Artistic Representation
    If the victim has been portrayed in famous artworks, such as plaster casts or paintings, it can elevate their notoriety. Such representations help create a connection between the person and the collective memory of Pompeii.
  5. Documentation
    The amount and quality of documentation available about the victim, including contemporary accounts or archaeological reports, can contribute to their fame. The more information available, the easier it is for people to learn about and remember the individual.
  6. Historical Significance
    If the victim's story has broader historical importance, such as shedding light on specific aspects of life in ancient Pompeii or providing insights into the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, their fame may be heightened.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous victim of Pompeii. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or victim is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1667 views
  • 180 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each victim once every 24 hours. The rank of each victim is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous victim of pompeii

Pompeii is a city in Italy that was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The eruption was sudden, and the people of Pompeii had no warning before the ash, rock, and pumice began raining down on their city. The disaster resulted in the death of thousands of people, and the city was buried under a layer of ash and pumice that preserved many of the buildings and artifacts that were buried beneath it. One of the most famous victims of the eruption was a man who has come to be known as "the plaster cast man," who was found in 1863 in the Garden of the Fugitives. The man's body was covered in plaster, which was used to create a cast of his final moments, and his image has become an iconic symbol of the tragedy that befell Pompeii.

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