New artifacts from the ancient destruction of Pompeii were recently dug up by Italian and French archeologists. The dig took place at what was once a shop on the outskirts of the city.

Skeletons including that of a teenage girl were found in the shop, which, like everything else in the city, was covered in ash after the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Archeologists said signs indicate the shop may have been dug up later by those looking to loot the destroyed town. If that's true, the robbers didn't do a great job--gold coins and a gold leaf flower-shaped necklace pendant were also found at the site, which may have been a bronze foundry.

A Roman coin found at the site. Pompeii Archeological Site Press Office AP

Even more interesting than these discoveries was the uncovering of a 4th century BC tomb. Officials said it "adds to the rare funerary testimony of the pre-Roman age." An adult skeleton, possibly male, laid in the grave, surrounded by six vases painted black.

The grave of a man buried in pre-Roman times, 4th century BC. Pompeii Archeological Site Press Office AP

The shop was located near the Roman town of Herculaneum, which was destroyed in the same volcanic explosion. Much of Herculaneum has yet to be excavated--it was covered in 80 feet of ash after the disaster. After these exciting findings, archeologists will continue to dig in the area.

Via Phys.org

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