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A Little Pompeiian Fish Sauce Goes a Long Way
Classicist Steven Tuck has spent over a decade investigating the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD to determine if anyone survived the disaster. Tuck challenges the conventional narrative that every Pompeiian perished, seeking evidence to support or refute this claim. He uses available evidence to reimagine the disaster from the perspective of the people on the ground. Tuck's investigation considers the possibility of survivors enduring earthquakes, tsunamis, and pumice stones after the eruption. To better understand the experience of Ancient Romans, Tuck and others explore their daily lives, including their diet. A key aspect of their diet was garum, a fermented fish sauce that was a staple in Ancient Roman cuisine. The investigation is part of a Radiolab episode that also announces a global naming contest for one of Earth's quasi-moons. The episode was reported by Latif Nasser and produced by Annie McEwen, with contributions from various individuals. The episode includes citations and references to sources, including articles, documentaries, and websites. The investigation highlights the complexity of understanding historical events and the importance of challenging conventional narratives.