Pompeii is the magnificent and ancient Roman city that was destroyed by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. It is arguably one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, and a huge tourist attraction. Located in the Italian region of Campania, Pompeii is a ruin of a once thriving commercial and cultural center, containing the remains of buildings, parks, basilicas, villas and churches. It is most famous for its well-preserved remains of the people and the culture, who perished in the eruption.
When the historic city of Pompeii was first excavated by archaeologists starting in 1748, it opened up a window into the ancient Roman lifestyle. Excavations revealed common Roman street scenes, with shops and restaurants, as well as signs of huge wealth in some areas. The city was packed with bakeries, banking institutions, and marketplaces.
The most incredible archaeological view from Pompeii is the plaster casts of the citizens and animals that succumbed to the lethal volcanic pyroclastics that filled the city. To get a glimpse of what life was like when Mt. Vesuvius erupted, visitors can explore the ancient monuments, art and artifacts, even personal belongings like jewelry that have been preserved in the ash.
Excavations throughout the years have also revealed multiple baths, a gymnasium, various temples,and two amphitheaters. If a visitor took a walk around the city, they’d witness iconic landmarks and stunning works of architecture: like the Basilica, the Temple of Apollo, or the Casa del Menandro. Although the city was abandoned for centuries, the archaeological work that has been conducted there continues to deepen our knowledge of what life was once like in the ancient city.
Pompeii also serves as an example of a city that was created using sustainable urban planning principles. The city was built in grid format with a central plaza. Many open public spaces were situated among residential and commercial areas to create a balanced environment. This allowed water and patricians to flow in a controlled way throughout the city.
The ruins of Pompeii are a wonderful way to understand the rise and fall of a civilization. Visitors of this ancient destination can get lost in the art, artifacts, and cobbled streets, and witness the tragedy of a culture that was wiped out in a single day.
The Economy of Pompeii
Pompeii was a major commercial center and important trade hub. Businesses sold everything from food and wine, to pottery and clothing, and the city exuded wealth and prosperity. It was well-connected to both the Bay of Naples and mainland Italy, which is what made commerce and trading so successful in the area. On the weather-worn walls of the houses, you can still make out the faint remains of graffiti advertising goods and services offered by local businesses.
Many of the more well-off Pompeians also made money through real estate speculation and investments. Their business practices were so advanced, there is evidence to suggest that credit, specifically money-lending and banking, was a major part of the local economy. The residents of Pompeii had developed a sophisticated system of borrowing, lending, and repaying debt.
Agricultural production was also a major part of the economy, and the surrounding area was highly fertile with rolling fields and orchards. The local inhabitants took full advantage of the environment and grew an array of crops including grapes, olives, and wheat. As a result, Pompeii was able to produce its own food, sustain a large population and create trade surpluses.
The city was also a popular destination for the wealthy to vacation and invest money. The streets near the beach provided plenty of villas, workshops, and taverns to explore, while the Villa of Mysteries, the Temple of Isis, and the basilica gave wealthier visitors the opportunity to enjoy luxurious surroundings.
The wealth and sustainability of Pompeii would eventually be its undoing. When Mount Vesuvius erupted, the luxurious villas and businesses perished, their owners killed in the ashes. In an instant, an economic powerhouse fell into ruin.
The Culture of Pompeii
The culture of Pompeii was prosperous and varied. In the ancient city, it was not uncommon for people to dress to the nines, appreciate art and literature, and practice various religions. People of all social classes also enjoyed playing games, going to the theatre, and eating in local restaurants and taverns.
From street-level galleries to elite salons, art was a huge part of the Pompeian lifestyle. In the ruins, you can still find ancient paintings, frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures that depict the city’s culture and beliefs. The House of the Faun is an especially notable example of a wealthy family’s residence, filled with artwork and luxurious furnishings.
The food in Pompeii was also quite diverse. Fish was quite popular, and highly sought after. Local eateries served up a variety of dishes, including pastries, meat dishes, and wine. Bread, cheese, and olives were staples in the diet, as was the grain staple millet.
Archaeologists have also uncovered evidence of religious practices in Pompeii. Inscriptions from various cults of Mithra, Isis, and other gods were discovered in various locations throughout the city. These were often associated with temples or shrines dedicated to each god.
The city also had a vibrant entertainment and theater culture. Dramas, comedies, and mimes were performed in the city’s two major amphitheaters and all-day festivals were held in honor of various gods, goddesses, and emperors.
The Legacy of Pompeii
Despite its tragic end, Pompeii has left a lasting impression on the world. The unique insights into the day-to-day life of an ancient Roman city have informed architecture, art, and more in the centuries since its destruction.
The ruins of the city have inspired literature and popular culture throughout the centuries. Writers such as Karl Marx and Poe, painters like Turner and Ingres, and filmmakers like Pasolini and Spielberg have all been deeply inspired by the ruin of Pompeii.
As the world’s population expands and cities become more chaotic, we can all take lessons from Pompeii and combine innovation with respect for the environment. By embracing sustainable urban planning, we can create cities that are built to last.
Living Conditions in Pompeii
Life in Pompeii was a fraught balance between the wealth and opulence of the upper class and the poverty of the lower class. Most of the wealthier residents lived in villas, mansions, and apartment buildings, while the lower class lived in rustic apartments and makeshift houses on the less desirable parts of town.
Despite the poverty, basic amenities such as running water, sewage systems, and street lighting were widespread. Wealthy residents even had access to public baths and hot water, something that was mostly unheard of in other cities during that period.
Despite these comforts, living conditions in the ancient city were far from perfect. Slavery was commonplace and crime an everyday occurrence. The streets were often dirty, and the city was constantly threatened by invasions from neighboring tribes and power struggles between various political factions.
Pompeii was also on a seismic fault line, which meant that earthquakes and tremors were a daily threat. Although the city managed to survive for hundreds of years, the sheer force of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius was unlike anything the city had ever experienced before, and it proved to be too much for the inhabitants to survive.
The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD is one of the most destructive ever recorded. It began with several days of seismic activity, including earthquakes and tremors. Shortly after, an ash cloud shot skyward, followed by a torrent of fire and hot gas that spewed out of Vesuvius’s cone-shaped crater.
The pyroclastic surges reached up to 25 miles away from the volcano, affecting both the city and its outlying areas. The people that were caught in the surge had no hope of survival, and the molten ash and rock quickly destroyed the city and its occupants.
The destruction caused by the eruption was relentless and swift. The city was buried under an avalanche of ash and rock, leaving only the outline of the city in its wake. Those who were lucky enough to escape did so on foot, but most were not so lucky. Pompeii was left a desolate wasteland, with the majority of its residents Pickled in the ash that was their final resting place.
In the centuries that followed, the ruins of Pompeii would slowly become the site of an archaeological wonder. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist destination, allowing visitors a glimpse into the life that existed two millennia ago.
