What Is ‘Pompeii’?
Pompeii is an ancient Roman city located near the modern city of Naples in southern Italy. It was famously destroyed by a volcanic eruption in the year 79 AD. The city has since become an important archaeological site and major tourist attraction. The name ‘Pompeii’ comes from the Roman god of agriculture, Vespasian, who named it in honour of himself.
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD was one of the most catastrophic volcanic eruptions in recorded history. It left the city of Pompeii buried in up to 6m of hot ash, which had the effect of preserving a great deal of its architecture and possessions, providing an unparalleled insight into the lives of its ancient inhabitants.
How Do You Spell ‘Pompeii’?
The correct spelling of ‘Pompeii’ is ‘Pompeii’. It is an Italian city, so the spelling follows Italian conventions. In Italian, the middle ‘p’ is doubled, and the ‘i’ is accented. Therefore, the correct spelling is: ‘Pompeii’.
Other Pompeii Spellings
Since ‘Pompeii’ is an Italian word, it is not usually translated into English. However, there have been various attempts to anglicise the pronunciation and spelling. Some of these alternate spellings are ‘Pompeii’, ‘Pompei’, ‘Pompee’, ‘Pompey’, or ‘Pompey’. However, none of these spellings are correct. The only accepted spelling of ‘Pompeii’ is ‘Pompeii’.
The Etymology of ‘Pompeii’
The name ‘Pompeii’ derives from the Latin word ‘pompeianus’, which translates to ‘belonging to Pompo’. ‘Pompo’ itself is derived from the Roman god of agriculture, Vespasian. He was determined to found a city that was loyal to him. Therefore, he named the city ‘Pompeianus’ in his honour.
Morphing the Word ‘Pompeii’
In the modern pop culture, the word ‘Pompeii’ has been morphed to fit different contexts. For example, the well-known pop song ‘Pompeii’ by Bastille has helped to spread awareness of the city and its destruction. Similarly, the song ‘A New Pompeii’ by 65daysofstatic further emphasises the impact of the eruption on the city and its inhabitants.
The Destruction of Pompeii Explored in Popular Culture
The destruction of Pompeii has long been a source of fascination for artists and writers alike. In literature, the eruption was explored by Pliny the Younger in his ‘Letters from Pompeii’. Similarly, the eruptive event has been the subject of countless films and television series.
The Significance of Pompeii Today
Today, Pompeii is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. It stands as a reminder of how powerful natural forces can be, and how insignificant human lives are in comparison. It is also an important reminder of the importance of preserving our ancient heritage, so that future generations can learn from the past. In this way, Pompeii serves as a powerful symbol of both human frailty and resilience.
Education About Pompeii
Pompeii offers educational opportunities for both adults and children alike. There are a range of guided tours offered at the site, aimed at different age groups and interests. Schools and universities are also able to arrange more in-depth programmes, so that students can gain an understanding of the significance of the site. In this way, the archaeological site of Pompeii offers us a unique insight into our past.
The Current State of Pompeii
Today Pompeii is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year. Although the site has been extensively excavated, much of the city remains buried beneath volcanic ash and rubble. In recent years, the Italian government has allocated funds for the restoration of the city, and it is hoped that the continuing excavation will allow for a better understanding of life in Ancient Rome.
The Preservation of Pompeii
In recent years, the Italian government has made great efforts to preserve the site, and to protect it against the elements and the effects of urbanization. Several UNESCO World Heritage Sites have been established in the Pompeii area, and the site is now one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. As such, it has a special significance in the preservation of Rome’s past.
Site Security at Pompeii
The site of Pompeii is managed and maintained by the International Centre for the Preservation of Pompeii, which works to ensure the security and preservation of the site. Regular security patrols are undertaken, and visitors are required to register their details prior to entering the city. This is to ensure that the site remains a safe and secure place for visitors to explore and appreciate, and to protect its unique archaeological heritage.
