Introduction
The story of Pompeii starts with a natural disaster that trapped and ultimately destroyed an ancient Roman city. Pompeii was a prosperous and densely populated city located in the Bay of Naples in Italy. Built on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, an active volcano in the area, it is estimated that the population of Pompeii in 79 AD was between 10,000 and 20,000. In 79 AD, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius destroyed the city and all its inhabitants.
The Eruption
The eruption began around mid-day on 24th August 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius rose from the ground and exploded in a colossal cloud of ash, lava, and gas ten miles wide. The debris spread over the city in every direction and engulfed it in a deadly cloud of falling pumice stones and super-heated clouds of gas that were estimated to have reached temperatures of up to 480 degrees Celsius. The tremendous pressure of the pyroclastic flow caused structures to collapse, trees to bend and the ground to crack. Within a few days, all but the very top of Mount Vesuvius was covered in a thick layer of lapilli, cinder and ash.
The Victims
All of the inhabitants of Pompeii, along with those of the surrounding towns, were killed by the eruption. This was primarily due to the intense heat and gas of the pyroclastic flow, but also to shock waves created by the explosion which were powerful enough to knock people off their feet. Many of the victims were buried in the ash and lapilli, though some managed to escape before being enveloped. Most of the victims were preserved due to the airtightness of the lapilli, preserving their bodies and clothes and providing an invaluable insight into the lives of the people of Pompeii.
The Aftermath
When the clouds and ash settled, the city of Pompeii was buried beneath a layer of volcanic debris which was, on average, up to 6 meters deep in some places. As the years passed by, the town of Pompeii was forgotten until it was rediscovered in 1748, when an engineer and architect called Rocque Joaquin de Alcubierre began an excavation of the site. It was during this excavation that the bodies and artefacts of Pompeii were discovered, leading to a much greater understanding of Ancient Roman life.
Preservation of the Ruins
Pompeii has been carefully preserved and is now a UNESCO World heritage site, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. The ruins of the city provide an incredibly detailed picture of life in a Roman town, with many artefacts and structures remaining intact, including gardens, houses, temples and bathhouses. The preserved bodies of its victims also provide a unique clue into the lives of the people of Pompeii, with the remains providing evidence of their clothes, hairstyles and even their daily activities.
Significance
The preservation of Pompeii has provided us with an invaluable insight into the lifestyles of both the wealthy and the poor of Ancient Rome. We can see evidence of the cooking methods, dwelling arrangements, and the religious practices of the people of Pompeii, while the range of artefacts recovered throughout the site paints a vivid picture of their daily lives. The information gathered has provided a much better understanding of the Ancient Roman era and its significance to the world today.
Conclusion
Pompeii stands as a remarkable testament to an ancient culture and a natural disaster that shattered it. Despite its destruction, the city’s ruins have allowed us a unique glimpse into the lives of its people and the culture of Ancient Rome. The many artefacts and preserved remains have given us an invaluable lesson into the world of the time and a reminder of the importance of preserving the past.
