Transmission of Zoonotic Diseases in the Daily Life of Ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum (79 CE, Italy): A Review of Animal–Human–Environment Interactions through Biological, Historical and Archaeological Sources

A unique opportunity to reconstruct zoonotic disease transmission in ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum emerges from the exceptional preservation of archaeological and biological material, offering unprecedented insights into animal-human-environment interactions. The study identifies key drivers for pathogen distribution, including the significant role of diverse animal species, environmental conditions favoring parasite survival, high-risk commercial activities, inadequate food safety practices, poor waste management, and cultural use of animals. By integrating biological, historical, and archaeological data, this research sheds light on the complex dynamics of disease transmission in ancient Roman urban settings, providing a model for understanding past societal vulnerabilities.

Tanga, C., Remigio, M., & Viciano, J. (2022). Transmission of Zoonotic Diseases in the Daily Life of Ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum (79 CE, Italy): A Review of Animal–Human–Environment Interactions through Biological, Historical and Archaeological Sources. Animals, 12(2), 213. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12020213