The “Ring Lady” of Herculaneum

Unearthed in the ancient Roman city of Herculaneum, near Pompeii, the skeleton known as the “Ring Lady” dates back to the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.



Believed to have been around 45 years old at the time of her death, she was found buried in volcanic ash, still adorned with her gold jewelry—rings and bracelets that remained in remarkably pristine condition after nearly 2,000 years.

This photo was taken just hours after her discovery, capturing a haunting yet intimate glimpse into a moment frozen in time.