Background
Built in the 7th century BC and located near present-day Naples in Italy, Pompeii was a vibrant Roman city with a population of up to 20,000 people, who lived in luxury homes with walled gardens and elaborate mosaics. On August 24th 79 CE, the nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying the city in ash and killing many of its inhabitants.
Rediscovery
Nearly two thousand years later, in the late 1700s, a group of archaeologists rediscovered the city of Pompeii – but it was another hundred years or so before they fully uncovered and studied the city’s remains. Evidence suggests that Pompeii was discovered by a Spanish engineer known as Rocque Joaquin de Alcubierre in 1748. However, further excavations of the site were not started until 1763.
Other archaeologists who took part in the excavation and analysis of Pompeii included scientists such as Giuseppe Fiorelli, who developed the technique of using plaster to create casts of the bodies of people and animals that had been killed by the ash and debris. His technique allowed scientists to gain an insight into the life of the ancient Romans and their lifestyles.
Historical Significance
The discovery of Pompeii has provided invaluable insights into the lives of the ancient Romans. Through the excavation of the city, archaeologists have been able to gain a clearer understanding of how the Romans lived their lives. From the luxury residences of the nobles to the humble dwellings of the average person, the archaeologists were also able to understand how the city was divided into distinct social classes.
In addition, the discovery of Pompeii has allowed us to gain an insight into ancient Roman culture. Artifacts uncovered at the site include a range of items, such as pottery, jewellery and weapons, which have enabled us to gain an understanding of the craftsmanship and trade of the time.
The excavation of Pompeii has also given us a unique snapshot of life during the time of the eruption which preserved the city in time, giving us the opportunity to explore it as if it were a time capsule.
Analysis of Archaeological Data
In the years since the rediscovery of Pompeii in the 18th century, much of the archaeological data has been analysed and further information about the city has been revealed. Scientists have been able to use the evidence such as carbon dating and epigraphy to piece together a clear view of the everyday life of the ancient Romans and how their culture developed over time.
Furthermore, historical documents such as eyewitness reports from the eruption and the work of Roman historians such as Tacitus and Suetonius have helped archaeologists to gain an understanding of how the city may have looked prior to its destruction.
The analysis of the archaeological data has also shed light on the cause of the destruction of Pompeii and other towns on the Bay of Naples. It has been theorised that the city was destroyed by a tsunami caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the resulting pyroclastic flow of molten lava and ash.
Role of Art in Historical Interpretation
The discovery of Pompeii has also provided us with an opportunity to gain an understanding of the role of art in interpreting historical events. Outside of archaeological analysis, painters and sculptors have used the site as inspiration for their works, representing their own interpretations of the destruction of the city. Paintings such as the The Destruction of Pompeii by the British artist John Martin provide a dramatic depiction of the destruction of the city, while in the 19th century, sculptors such as Antonio Canova recreated the statues of the city’s inhabitants.
Artists and sculptors have helped to bring the fallen city of Pompeii to life, stretching our understanding of the destruction of the city beyond archaeological data and presenting us with a new way to interpret historical events.
Impact on Modern Life
The rediscovery of Pompeii has been a source of education and inspiration for generations, with the archaeological evidence and the artwork it has inspired having a lasting impact on the study of history and the arts. The preservation of the city has also been a source of inspiration for urban planners and architects, who have used the implications of the destruction to develop new methods of protecting cities from natural disasters.
The study and analysis of the city continues to this day, and archaeologists are still discovering new artifacts that were preserved when Mount Vesuvius erupted. The discovery of the city continues to educate and inspire, and there is still much to be discovered beneath the ashes.
Exploring the Ruins
Today, the ruins of Pompeii continue to be a popular destination for both tourists and historians alike. Excavations are ongoing, and visitors are still able to experience the city as it was during the time of the eruption.
Visitors to the site are able to explore the archaeological remains, including the Forum, the Temple of Isis and the House of the Faun. They are also able to view the casts of the bodies that were found in the ash, gaining a visceral understanding of the destruction that took place during the eruption.
Although the city of Pompeii has been lost for two millennia, its discovery has provided us with a deeper understanding of ancient Roman culture, an inspiring case for urban planning and a lasting source of education and entertainment for generations to come.
