Pompeii is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world and is widely seen as an iconic reminder of the power of mother nature. The city was buried under 15 ft of volcanic ash from nearby Mount Vesuvius during the 79 AD eruption, and its unique state of preservation has captivated historians and tourists since its rediscovery in 1748. Despite what many people think, Pompeii is much more than just an open-air museum, it provides a window into a once vibrant Roman city and helps tell the story of the city’s demise.
As the city is still being excavated and reveals more of its history on a daily basis, it is no wonder why the site is worth seeing. One of the most rewarding aspects of visiting Pompeii is the ability to explore the ruins, walking through its streets and peeping into the frescoed walls of the residences and villas. The Forum is full of ancient remains of temples and triumphal arches dedicated to the gods, while the civic buildings portray a life of wealth and luxury. Shops, bars, and bakery fragments give an insight into the everyday commerce. Museums contain a treasure trove of artifacts not seen in any other ancient city.
The value of Pompeii lies in what we can learn from it. It has provided an enormous insight into the everyday practices of ancient Roman civilization, as seen in the preserved terracotta objects, mosaics, and sculpted plaster, that have been excavated from the ruins. Pompeii also provides a possibly unique example of the way in which natural disasters can shape and influence our lives, as well as a reminder that, while we do not know when, another major one-off eruption or other potentially devastating natural disaster could happen at any point.
In addition to the educational value, Pompeii is also an enjoyable place to visit. Walking along the street between the excavated villas, encountering the stunning frescoes and admiring the excavated objects is like taking a journey in time. It is an experience unlike any other.
Professor Kyrre Andreassen, Pompeii specialist at the University of Oslo, believes that it is the blend of educational and recreational aspects of Pompeii which makes it so special. “Pompeii is the only ancient site which can provide both entertainment and education. It combines the interesting aspects of history and archaeology and provides a unique view into the past. This is why there is so much interest in the site and why so many people visit each year.”
Furthermore, as the buildings are remarkably intact, it is easy for visitors to get a visual context for what the city must have been like at its peak. “Walking through Pompeii, you can really get a sense of what it might have been like back then,” says Pompeii historian Samantha Galloway. “It is the only place in the world where people can see such a remarkable slice of history.”
Economic Impact
The ruins of Pompeii are also seen as having great value in terms of their potential to provide an economic boost to the region. The city is a major tourist destination and has been estimated to generate €1.7billion each year in revenue. The area is also home to some of the most popular historical sights in Italy, including Herculaneum and the nearby Mount Vesuvius itself.
As the region’s major economic drivers, both ancient sites have become a major source of employment and economic growth. Thousands of workers from across Italy flock to the region each year to work in hospitality, tourism, retail, construction, and other service industries related to the sites. In 2017, the University of Salerno even opened a school to train students in the hospitality sector specifically for the area.
The impact from visitors to the region has been so great, that the government of Italy is now attempting to qualify the site for inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This would bring even more attention to the area and it is hoped that it would be an even bigger driver of economic well-being.
Conclusion of the Site
As well as the educational and economic value of the site, it is a great place to visit for its historical significance. The fact that it has been preserved so well make it an epicenter of historical knowledge. One has to marvel at the ingenuity of the ancient Roman people and the sheer tenacity of nature in preserving the remains of this once bustling ancient city.
It is no wonder that Pompeii is still one of the most popular tourist sites in the world. It is a unique combination of education and entertainment, giving visitors the chance to explore what remains of a once great city, gaining an insight into the history, culture and craftsmanship of the Roman Empire. Whether you are a history buff, an architectural aficionado or just a curious traveler, Pompeii is definitely worth seeing.
Conservation of the Site
Despite its great value and popularity, the ruins of Pompeii have been the subject of great debate over the past two decades. There are those who view it as an open-air museum and would like to preserve it as it is; others would like to make more proactive efforts to repair and restore the buildings, believing it would be beneficial for both research and education.
The reality is that the site of Pompeii is a delicate balancing act. It must be carefully managed in order to protect its archaeological heritage. The site is prone to subsidence and flooding, which has caused catastrophic destruction in the past. As such, it is essential to manage access to the site, monitor air pollution, and enforce strict visitor control.
The combined efforts of Italian and international experts, as well as the help of local volunteers, have helped to keep the site in check. The World Monument Fund, a global non-profit organization that works to protect endangered sites, has also been involved in the project, helping to protect and preserve the ruins.
Protection of the Site
The protection of Pompeii goes beyond the conservation efforts of experts and volunteers. The site must also be protected from the threat of theft, vandalism, and looting. In the past, many priceless pieces of art and artifacts have been stolen from the site. To combat this, the Italian authorities have implemented strict security measures, as well as stepped up their efforts to crack down on illegal trafficking.
Furthermore, the Italian government has signed agreements with other nations in order to increase the international protection of the site. The International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is another organization that works to protect the site, helping to monitor the effects of tourism and enforcing the highest standards of conservation.
The maintenance and preservation of the ruins of Pompeii require a great deal of effort and money, but it is essential in order to preserve this incredible site. It is hoped that, with the help of fervent volunteers and international organizations, the outstanding archaeological remains of this ancient city can continue to give us insight into the past.
The Role of Visitors
Despite the efforts of experts and volunteers, it is essential that visitors to the site take responsibility for the preservation of Pompeii. This means exhibiting respect for the ancient site, following the rules, keeping noise to a minimum, adhering to the pathways, and refraining from touching the artifacts.
It is also important that we help ensure the long-term sustainability of the site. This can be achieved by supporting the local industries, such as restaurants and shops, that rely on the continued presence of visitors in order to survive. By doing this, we can help ensure that they are a part of the future of Pompeii.
In conclusion, it is clear that Pompeii is a place of great importance and value, both historically and economically. It is a unique place that serves as a window into the ancient Roman world, and its archaeological remains help tell the story of both its prosperity and its destruction. Despite the vast amount of work necessary to protect and preserve this precious site, it is a task that we must undertake if we are to ensure its longevity for generations to come.
