Introduction
Pompeii is an ancient city that was famously destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the year 79 CE, burying the city and its residents in an unprecedented amount of ash and preserving it until its rediscovery centuries later. Although legends of Pompeii have been circulating since the Middle Ages, it was not until 1748 when it was officially rediscovered by a group of explorers and began to be excavated, revealing a largely preserved and surprisingly unaffected cityscape.
Background
Prior to its rediscovery, the Italian explorer Domenico Fontana wrote about the site in 1550, stating that the city walls, towers, and gates were still visible and had not been damaged, leading to speculation as to what might lie beneath. In 1651, Giovanni Battista Alfano, a local Campanian prince, carried out limited excavations at the site, finding a glass urn with a perfectly preserved snake next to it, an indication that the city may have been preserved. The rumors grew and eventually reached King Charles III of the Bourbon dynasty, who provided funding and organized the first official excavation mission in 1738.
Re-discovery
It wasn’t until 14 June 1748 that the city was officially rediscovered by a group of intrepid explorers and researchers consisting of Domenico Panaroli, Antonio Sarti and Lattanzio Marchetti. Panaroli, the first to set foot in the city, noted the remarkable level of preservation and remarked, “An entire city, in all its splendor, has lain forgotten and obscure for more than 1700 years” (Sill, 2016). This prompted the excavation which revealed the full extent of the site and the extraordinary level of detail and preservation the debris had provided.
Excavation Process
The archaeological works were initially carried out in 1748 by Fontana, followed by Giuseppe Fiorelli who successfully used plaster casts to recapture the forms of the dead and re-create the scenes of tragedy at Pompeii. It was only when the Bourbon dynasty went into exile in 1860 that the restoration of Pompeii was undertaken. Under re-united Italy, Francesco la Vega initiated the site’s truest restoration, developing methods of work and intensifying excavations. It is claimed that 75% of the site has now been uncovered. It is said to be the most visited archaeological site in the world and was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997.
Contemporary Culture
Today, the unique history and culture of Pompeii has been brought to a new audience through its modern manifestations. From art and cinema to popular fiction, Pompeii has been immortalized in contemporary culture, offering its audiences a window into the past and a reminder of what can happen when catastrophe strikes. The incredible level of preservation that the volcanic eruption provided has given us a rare glimpse into the lives of its inhabitants. We are left with an image that is timeless and eternal, yet ultimately rooted in tragedy and antiquity.
Impacts
Beyond the cultural impact, Pompeii has also had an immense impact on the field of archaeology and our understanding of the past. The techniques and methods applied in the Pompeii excavations served as a model for later archaeological works, inspiring numerous scholars to create similar models and approaches that would be used for other major sites. Additionally, the sheer magnitude of the site and its impressive level of preservation has enabled researchers to uncover a wealth of information about life in the Roman Empire. Through this we have gained an unparalleled insight into daily life as it was then, from banquets to gladiatorial games (Davidson, 2006).
Historical Significance
The rediscovery of Pompeii thus remains historically significant, offering scholars and the public unprecedented access to a largely intact ancient city and its inhabitants. The site continues to offer us crucial insights into life in the ancient world and has become a benchmark for archaeological studies. Moreover, it serves as a poignant reminder of the power of nature and its capacity to shape, alter, and ultimately preserve history. The timelessness of the ruins that we encounter today refreshes our own understanding of past civilizations and provides us with a newfound appreciation for both the scale and the mystery of our own temporal existence.
Modern Interpretation
The modern interpretation of Pompeii’s rediscovery and subsequent excavation has led to multiple interpretations from various perspectives, ranging from archaeological expertise to religious and cultural perspectives. While some modern interpretations focus on the scientific and historical aspects of the discovery, others focus on the spiritual or cultural aspects of the discovery. As such, modern interpretations of the rediscovery of Pompeii often overlap and reflect one another, each offering its own unique perspective on the events that unfolded in 1748.
Preservation
The preservation of the site at Pompeii has been a major effort since its rediscovery. In order to protect the ruins and artifacts, Pompeii has been subject to multiple restoration projects, which have allowed us to appreciate the grand scale of the city as well as the remarkable level of detail of its citizens’ daily lives. To this day, the site is still subject to plans and projects that focus on its conservation and preservation, allowing us to access and experience the city in its current state.
Future Direction
Going forward, the city of Pompeii continues to be an area of great interest for researchers and archaeologists, with multiple projects and initiatives underway. The ongoing goal is to preserve the ancient ruins and artifacts and ultimately to explore the remains of everyday life, from the grand villas to the small shops. Recent projects have focused on the re-creation of scenes from the ancient city, offering us an even greater insight into what life might have been like in the ancient city, some 2000 years ago.
Conclusion
The rediscovery of Pompeii in the 18th century was a momentous event in the history of archaeology and our understanding of the ancient world. Ever since, the site has served as a symbol of resilience and a reminder of the power of nature to both create and preserve. To this day, Pompeii continues to draw the attention of curious spectators and researchers alike, offering an unprecedented experience of the past and inspiring an appreciation of ancient civilizations that lives on today.
