What is Pompeii?
Pompeii is an extraordinary ancient city near Naples in Italy that was buried by an eruption of the nearby Mount Vesuvius volcano in AD 79. Historical accounts, archaeological excavations and evidence from the ruins at Pompeii have revealed the history of this once thriving Roman city which spanned several centuries from its founding to its eventual destruction. The city walls, impressive temples and other stone structures still exist in their original forms, allowing us to explore an important slice of ancient Roman life.
Mount Vesuvius Eruption
Mount Vesuvius is thought to have first erupted in 79 AD, burying the nearby cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis and Stabiae under layers of ash and pumice for thousands of years. Although the effects of the eruption were devastating, it also served to perfectly preserve a snapshot of Roman life and the people living in the area at the time. Some of the more remarkable artifacts uncovered from the archaeological site include the charred remains of wines, eyeglasses, paintings, musical instruments, sculptures, jewelry and even food.
How Long Was Pompeii Before the Disaster?
Pompeii’s excavation has revealed its history over the course of about 700 years. It was first founded by the ancient Oscans in the 8th century BC and soon became a settlement of the powerful Greeks. The city then flourished under their rule until the Roman conquest in 80 BC. Thus, the city was inhabited before the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is estimated that the city was first founded by the Oscans in the 8th century BC and was inhabited until the time of its destruction.
Impact of the Eruption
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius was, without a doubt, one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in recorded history. It managed to decimate a large portion of the cities in the area, and the evidence of destruction can still be seen in the ruins today. It is estimated that up to 16,000 people perished in the disaster, and many others were forced to flee for their lives.
What made the eruption especially devastating was the speed with which it happened. The volcanic cloud that descended on the city was a mix of volcanic gasses, ash and pumice, and enveloped the city in just a few hours. The pressure it exerted was so powerful that many of the city’s buildings were completely destroyed, suffocating those who were unable to escape.
The Rediscovery of Pompeii
It wasn’t until 1748 that the city was rediscovered when archaeologists stumbled upon the site while excavating a nearby rock quarry. Since then, archaeologists have stayed at the site and uncovered the incredible secrets that it holds, such as a frozen moment of everyday Roman city life. What’s even more fascinating is that many of the artifacts, frescoes and other pieces have been preserved with incredible detail, painting a vivid picture of what life looked like in Pompeii prior to its destruction.
What Remains of Pompeii Now?
Today, the archaeological site of Pompeii is one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions, and a must-see destination for anyone interested in learning about Ancient Rome and the unique history of this city. The ruins are impressively extensive, including forum squares, grand temples, shops, public baths and even a theatre. Everything is remarkably well preserved, allowing visitors to get a glimpse into how Ancient Roman life was lived and to explore a snapshot of life frozen in time from around 2000 years ago.
Pompeii and Its Significance
The Pompeii archaeological site serves an incredibly important purpose. Not only is it a great source of information on ancient Roman life, but it also serves to remind us of the dangers of natural disasters, and the immense destruction that they can cause. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius tells us a lot about the power of nature and how quickly it can take away what has taken years to build.
Tourism Impact
The tourists’ rush to explore Pompeii has had a positive as well as a negative impact. It has made Pompeii a renowned ancient city with its stories and artifacts now known to many people. But over the years tourism has also taken its toll on the city. Countless artifacts have been stolen and the environment has been further damaged with the introduction of pollution from tourism activities. Moreover, the combination of heat, humidity and the acidic soil has caused vast damage to the preserved city walls and the artifacts within them, which is why an immense conservation effort has been put in place to protect the city.
The Conservation of Pompeii
Preserving Pompeii has been a major undertaking for the authorities and various bodies involved in its restoration. They have implemented a number of strategies to protect the site, including using special coverings that protect the ancient walls and structures from the elements. They have also used modern technologies to try and preserve the artifacts and murals found within the city walls.
In the past few decades, archaeologists have also turned their attention to the restoration and conservation of the city’s water cisterns, which supply water to the entire city. By getting the cisterns working again, it could help reduce the damage caused by the city’s poor drainage system, allowing for better protection of the historic site.
Conclusion of Pompeii’s Long Lasting Legacy
The ruins of Pompeii show us the truly remarkable events that have shaped its history, and have served as a reminder of the power of nature. Despite the destruction caused by the 79 AD eruption, the site is still standing today and is a remarkable reminder of Ancient Roman life. The city still has a lot to teach us and will continue to be studied in hopes of uncovering further secrets of its past.
