The ancient town of Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, is being preserved for future generations through a joint effort of Italian and international archaeologists, conservationists, and historians.
The site has been the subject of extensive excavation and restoration work since 1748, although the majority of the work has taken place during the 20th century. In 1997, the first phase of the Great Pompeii Project began, with the exploration aiming to map the necropolis, produce an accurate plan, pinpoint areas of interest and develop methodologies for conservation.
The project has so far seen the identification of over 2,000 buried remains, and researchers have also gained insights into the population density, infrastructure and urban patterns of the ancient city. As a result, Pompeii’s rich archaeological heritage has been documented and its site maintained for future generations.
As the human remains suggest, the population of ancient Pompeii was diverse, with archaeologists finding different artefacts from cultures such as Roman, Greek, and others from the Mediterranean region. The ruins of the town reveal information on ancient lifestyles, social structure, and trade patterns, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the classical world.
The preservation of this unique archaeological site is a delicate and costly process. Through their studies, scientists have learnt that certain materials and techniques, such as vapor permeable, breathable plasters and polymeric coatings, are more effective than traditional techniques in preserving Pompeii’s mosaics and frescoes.
These modern techniques, combined with the efforts of a skilled team of experts, have saved many of the hundreds of thousands of artifacts discovered in the town, and the conservation and repair processes have become successful models for preserving other archaeological sites.
To ensure that this ancient world-famous cultural site can be seen for generations to come, there is a continuous need for efforts from the international community to help. Continuous funding from the European Union’s LIFE program as well as money from other public and private sources have also played an important role in sustaining the project.
Funding
Funding has always been key to the preservation of Pompeii, although the costs of maintaining it have risen steadily over the years. The Great Pompeii Project consumed almost one hundred million euro between 1997 and 2012, but outside of its primary activities, the project has provided a number of additional benefits.
By providing the energy and investment needed for scientific research and technical developments, LEED-funded projects have improved our understanding of how the inhabitants of Pompeii lived and how to better preserve the site for future generations. Furthermore, projects such as the ‘Virtual Tour’, which allows visitors to explore the site from their computer, aims to broaden knowledge and appreciation of ancient Pompeii.
The city’s preservation has been influential in bringing awareness to wider issues relating to the neglect and destruction of cultural heritage worldwide. Notably, in 2004, the Great Pompeii Project became an Award of the Council of Europe for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, for the quality and scale of its work.
The success of the Great Pompeii Project and its positive effects on the streamlining of preservation processes have made it a prominent international model. Treasures like the wall painting depicting Alexander the Great, the mosaic of Neptune, and the frescos in the House of the Surgeon are just a few examples of the gains in conservation that this site has managed to secure.
Archaeology
Many of the city’s buried treasures have been preserved thanks to the tireless efforts of archaeologists and conservationists. These experts continue to search for sites and artefacts, preserving evidence and reconstructing the environment in which ancient Pompeii inhabitants lived, and developing strategies to protect the site.
Our understanding of this unique city has been enhanced by many of the latest technologies, such as the use of remote sensing and a microprobe. Using these methods, archaeologists have been able to map the ruins at a micro level and to collect invaluable data on the artifacts located in the town.
Through the ongoing work of archaeologists, the monuments, frescoes, tools, and furniture of the ancient city have been revealed in stunning detail, giving historians a deeper insight into the lives of its previous occupants. Similarly, by understanding the impact of tectonic and seismic forces, archaeologists are able to better protect Pompeii from future damaging events.
A National Symbol
Pompeii has become a national symbol for Italian culture and heritage, as it illustrates and is a testament to how our own lives were once lived. The town and its ruins also epitomize the fragility of human existence, making it a powerful monument and reminder of how our life is just a vanishing glimpse in the face of death.
In this way, the site has become a source of inspiration, an invitation to the contemplation of eternity, and an awareness of the fragility and transience of human life. Further, it is a symbol of a larger awareness of our shared past and common heritage, which we all must preserve and protect.
Therefore, the preservation of an archaeological site like Pompeii is not only necessary in the context of conservation and preservation, but also due to the unique symbolism it gives to history and humanity.
Tourism
In addition, the cultural heritage of Pompeii is spread far and wide by international tourists. Each year, millions of visitors from across the globe come to Pompeii to experience the archaeological site and learn about its history, culture and customs.
This continuous flow of visitors has made it possible for the site to provide an important source of income for the citizens of Pompeii, as it has created job opportunities for local residents and boosted the economy of the area. This increased income can be put towards preserving this important cultural site.
To minimise the impact on the archaeological site, the town and its ruins offer various multi-day tours and historical workshops, giving visitors the chance to experience and learn the history of Pompeii in a controlled environment.
With this in mind, the archaeological site continues to attract large numbers of visitors, providing a powerful conduit for teaching and inspiring future generations.
Technology
The development of high-tech preservation methods and equipment has also proven to be invaluable in protecting the ruins of this ancient city. Conservationists have been able to reduce the effect of rain, high temperatures and humidity on the archaeological site, using laser scanning techniques and advanced ventilation systems.
New techniques, such as the use of robots, have also been implemented to protect the site. For example, the aerial drone developed by drone pilot Federico Rossi has allowed scientists to map and monitor the sites by creating a high-resolution digital map.
This technology has enabled the team to monitor the site from the ground, thus providing a valuable tool for conducting further preservation activities on the ruins.
In addition, scientists are now using virtual reality as a tool for exploring and understanding the city of Pompeii. This technology has enabled archaeologists to look at the city in miniature, studying its layout, the artwork and monuments in detail, and providing an interactive environment for exploring the ancient city.
Education
The site at Pompeii is a source of inspiration and education. The town is an ideal backdrop for learning and understanding the everyday life of the ancients, as well as a great place to introduce people to the history of Roman and Graeco-Roman culture.
In recent years, some schools have started taking educational trips to Pompeii, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and explore the ruins themselves. This has created a valuable learning opportunity for students, as well as introducing them to the ancient culture and customs of the civilization.
Another way in which the educational values of Pompeii are shared is through the internet, as more and more resources are being made available online. For example, the online platform The Power of Pompeii allows anyone to explore the site, offering virtual tours, educational materials and interactive games.
These digital resources give teachers and students the opportunity to learn about Pompeii from the comfort of their own homes, and to experience the ancient city without having to travel there.
