Archaeologists release stunning photos of new Pompeii find: Horses remarkably preserved in lava

Buried beneath volcanic ash and rubble, archaeologists discovered the remains of several horses Sunday in the suburbs of Pompeii.

According to BBC News, the animal skeletons and saddle were found inside a stable in an ancient villa. One was unearthed well preserved and harnessed, with its legs bent at the knee, as if preparing to gallop through the gates.

The ancient Roman city near Naples was destroyed in 79 A.D. during the monstrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The infamous explosion killed thousands of people.

Massimo Osanna, general director of the Pompeii archaeological park, told Italian news agency ANSA that he believed the horse belonged to a high-ranking military officer and met a “fierce and terrible end."