Pompeii
Pompeii was founded in 600 B.C., a once-thriving thriving commercial port of 20,000, Pompeii grew from Greek and Etruscan roots to become an important Roman trading city.
Mt. Vesuvius
Twin Peaks of Mt. Vesuvius Picture by Keith Janas 2007
Mt. Vesuvius is an Italian volcano that erupted on August 24 A.D. 79 covering the towns and 1000s of residents of Pompeii, Stabiae, and Herculaneum.
Garden of the Fugitives
Picture by Michael S. Cole, M.D. 2001
In 1961 excavations of an ancient Orchard found thirteen adults and children, huddled together, trying to shield themselves from the onslaught of volcanic dust, pumice, stone, and ash. This area became known as "Garden of the Fugitives"
Did You Know?
- Pompeii was an ancient resort town, and was designed as such. Anthropologist have found public baths, an arena, gladiator barracks, restaurants, a hotel, and a large brothel.
- Homes had running hot and cold water, and even central heating.
- Business advertised, homes had "beware of dog" signs,
- Mount Vesuvius has not erupted since 1944, just after US Allied Troops landed in Naples, but it is still one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Experts believe that another Plinean eruption is due any day--an almost unfathomable catastrophe, since almost 3 million people live within 20 miles of the volcano’s crater.
- Pompeii was buried 10' deep, while Herculaneum was buried under 75' of ash. This volcanic eruption is the first to be described in detail.
- Pliny the Younger was witness to the events was stationed 18 miles away, he saw the eruption, felt the earthquake, and wrote down all he witnessed.
- The volcano erupted many times over the centuries, in 1631 the eruption killed about 4000 people. During the rebuilding efforts, the ancient ruins of Pompeii were discovered on March 23, 1748.
- The ash preserved and protected a vibrant city against the elements until future archaeologists unearthed this snapshot in time.
Where the Chariots passed over the Centuries.
Picture by Mavrick Janas 2007
Drivers had to maneuver around large stones that were used as pedestrian walk ways. The roads of Pompeii have 1 to 2" groves worn into the stone from the wheels of wagons and Chariots. These ruts tell us that there was a standard axel length and wagon height. If your chariot or wagon didn't meet the standards it could not be used.
House of the Faun
Picture by Mavrick Janas 2007
- Covering 6 acres, the House of the Faun is one of the largest and most luxurious examples of a first century residence.
- The villa was named for the bronze statuette of a dancing faun
- in front of the entrance to this villa is a Latin welcome sign, "HAVE," a simple mosaic in the sidewalk
Beware of Dog
This mosaic can be seen on the floor in the entrance to the House of the Tragic Poet, across the street from the Forum Baths. The Latin inscription can be translated, "Beware of the Dog." which is funny because there are tonnes of stray and feral dogs that roam Pompeii
10 top Reasons Why You Should Visit Pompeii
Picture by Mavrick Janas 2007
- The Graffiti of the Ancients
- The daily life is so perfectly preserved it is a whole new way to look at History.
- Climb to the top of Mt. Vesuvius
- See the Fresco's and mosaics just as the ancients had.
- See the casts( a mix of plaster and ancient bone) of Pompeiians, their bodies buried under the ash.
- See the world first "Fast Food Joint"
- Giant Aqueduct Arch
- House of the Faun, the Largest home in Pompeii with floor mosaics
- The bakery and mill
- Theater, and Gladiator Barracks
Frescos of Pompeii
Picture by Mavrick Janas 2007
The artwork found in Pompeii are called Frescos, a technique of mural painting on to wet limestone plaster walls. Pompeii gives us the most reliable source of what we know about ancient art forms.
At places of business the Fresco's advertised what was for sale, and what services were provided.
At places of business the Fresco's advertised what was for sale, and what services were provided.
Crunchy Bread Anyone?
he Bakery Picture by Dianna Janas 2007
Grain was poured into the tops of the mills, which were made of volcanic stones.
Slaves or donkeys were used to turn the upper portion to grind the grain, and pans were placed on the ledges to collect the flour and little piece of stone that would break off during the milling.
After Vesuvius exploded, the bakers of Pompeii did not have time to remove the baking bread from their ovens.
Centuries-old blackened loaves of bread were found inside many of the brick ovens.
Slaves or donkeys were used to turn the upper portion to grind the grain, and pans were placed on the ledges to collect the flour and little piece of stone that would break off during the milling.
After Vesuvius exploded, the bakers of Pompeii did not have time to remove the baking bread from their ovens.
Centuries-old blackened loaves of bread were found inside many of the brick ovens.
Lunch on the Run
Bibliography
- Janas, Mavrick. World Traveler Me. Terrace, 21 03 2013.
- Michael S. Cole, M.D. Pompei a virtual Tour. 2001. 04 12 2012 <http://www.thecolefamily.com/italy/pompeii/>.
- Steves, Rick. 24 01 2013 <http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/italy/pompeii-tours.htm>.