The city of Pompeii was a bustling hub of culture and trade in Southern Italy two thousand years ago. It was a vibrant Roman settlement founded just a few centuries earlier, around 600 BC. Despite its grandeur and significance, the city remains a mystery to many of us. So, how was life in ancient Pompeii?
For the most part, life in Pompeiian times was a mix of social, economic and cultural progress. In fact, it was the centre of the wine industry and a popular holiday destination for wealthy Romans.
Economic resources were abundant and life was advanced. The streets were illuminated at night by a system of elevated oil lamps and homes were equipped with running water and sewer systems. Businesses flourished as well, with stone-block housing for shops, workshops, cafés and temples. Literacy was relatively high, with the majority of the population able to read and write Latin.
Family and social life were paramount in Pompeiian society. Marriage and patriarchal customs were customary, as were religious festivals and games. Women held a respected place in society and could own property, work and vote in public elections.
People decorated their homes with beautiful frescoes, mosaics, statues and columns made of expensive marble. Wealth was measured not just in money, but also in the number of “elite” works of art present within the home. Food choices were plentiful and included seafood, grains, fruits, spices, condiments and nuts.
Education was valued and children were taken to schools during the day. Boys were usually given a basic education in reading, writing, arithmetics and philosophy, while girls received vocational or home-keeping training during their schooling.
Public entertainment was also commonplace in Pompeiian life. People enjoyed events such as gladiator fights, theatre plays and poetry readings, alongside regular festivals and celebrations.
Religious life
Religion played a dominant role in the lives of the people of Pompeii. The community adhered to the practices and rituals of the Roman state religion and its gods. Prayer, sacrifices and religious festivals were conducted with regularity. The most important site of religious life was the Forum, where all the main temples stood, most notably the temple of Apollo, the goddesses Juno and Minerva and the Capitoline Triad.
The other temple that served as an important religious centre in Pompeii was the Grand Temple of Isis, built in honour of the Egyptian goddess Isis. This temple is thought to have been patronized by wealthy merchants from Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. People from across the ancient world were drawn to the temple to worship Isis, who was associated with the mysteries of life, death and the afterlife.
Daily life
Daily life for the people of Pompeii was everyday and grounded in tradition. People usually woke up early, as the sun rose over the city. Men would typically head to the market to partake in trades, while women would engage in the household duties including cleaning and cooking meals. Children, who constituted a third of the population, were expected to stay in school and spend time outdoors playing.
The Pompeiians also taught their children culinary skills and craftsmanship. Notable crafts included the production of the terracotta and bronze sculptures, glassware and jewelry making.
The daily routine of the Pompeiians usually concluded in the evening with social gatherings like dinners, music and storytelling. Such occasions were often the way for people to connect and share stories.
Natural disasters in Pompeii
The city of Pompeii, like most cities of its time, was constantly threatened by eruptions, earthquakes and floods. These natural disasters impacted life in the city immensely. For instance, in 62 AD, Pompeii was struck by a massive earthquake that destroyed many buildings. This event was believed to be a sign of a supernatural force, and prompted people to initiate a period of religious purification.
The most famous natural disaster to strike Pompeii was the infamous Mt.Vesuvius eruption of 79 AD. This event is thought to have killed all the citizens of the city. It is said that the eruption sent a deadly wave of volcanic ash and debris, covering the city under a layer of ash and preserving it from destruction.
Recovery efforts
The city of Pompeii remained hidden for centuries after its destruction, until the mid-18th century. Around 1748, the town was rediscovered and extensive excavations were made to unearth the buried city. Even today, archaeologist teams from all around the world work to uncover more secrets from the city’s past.
The recovery efforts have revealed countless artefacts, tools, mosaics and sculptures that give us insight into the lives of the people of Pompeii. By studying these artifacts, we have been able to understand the ins and outs of life in Pompeii more deeply than ever before.
Cultural influences
The cultural influences of the people of Pompeii are still present in our world today. The city is renowned for its widespread use of public spaces and infrastructures that are still used in cities globally. Additionally, many of the unique style elements of their art, sculptures and frescoes remain popular today.
The astonishing archaeological finds from Pompeii are also used today to promote the study of cultural history and provide a window through which we can understand the daily life of the people of Pompeii and how it differed from our modern-day existence.
Adaptability and resilience
Most of all, the story of Pompeii teaches us the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity. In spite of its destruction, the city of Pompeii and the people who once inhabited it live on in the hearts and minds of its countless admirers. Through our understanding of the past and its impact on the present, we can draw on the strength of this ancient civilization to challenge and conquer the difficulties of our contemporary world.
Role of modern techology
Modern technology has allowed us to discover incredible information about life in Pompeii. Through the use of 3D imaging technologies, archaeologists have been able to map the ancient city and create digital models of the ruins, providing unparalleled insight into the remains of this once thriving metropolis.
Also, virtual reality technology has been used to provide a unique experience of a city in its former glory. High-definition images reveal the bustling life and narrow, winding streets of Pompeii before its destruction.
In addition, technology has enabled us to better understand Pompeii’s religious and political structures. By interpreting inscriptions and deciphering texts, we can get a glimpse into the everyday lives of the people of Pompeii and their unique customs and practices.
Conclusion
From its rise to prosperity to its final destruction, life in Pompeii was an interesting and complex experience for its inhabitants. We owe our deep understanding of this lost city to the interpretation of its remains and our continued fascination with the natural and cultural forces that shaped it.
