It’s been more than 2,000 years since Mount Vesuvius buried the ancient cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii in ash.
The man is believed to have been between 40 and 45 years old and in good health.
“All these clues suggest that he was not a simple soldier, more likely a high-ranking officer, even a praetorian,” Francesco Sirano, the archaeological site’s director said.
A rescue mission had been led by Pliny the Elder, who died during the rescue.