Introduction
Pompeii, an ancient Roman city located in the modern day Italian region of Campania, has always been shrouded in mystery. Many people know of its spectacular ruins and their tales of tragedy, but its true antiquity has remained an intriguing topic of debate among history buffs and archaeologists alike. When was Pompeii created and how has it withstood the test of time since then? In this article, we will trace the history of the city of Pompeii, following its origin story to present day.
Early Ancient Times
The history of Pompeii is fairly long and complex. The first recorded settlers of Pompeii date back to the ‘Iron Age’, around 6000 years ago when the people of the ‘Oscan’ region lived there. Archaeologists attribute the foundation of Pompeii to a group of people who happened to encounter each other in the hidden valley on the slopes of the Italian mountain-side – these people settled on the northern shore of the Bay of Naples, and the village of Pompeii was born.
Greek Colonization
The Greek settlement of the site was short-lived. It was largely confined to a single period in the 8th century BC. The Greek colonization of Pompeii didn’t actually significantly alter the layout of the city – the Greek settlers adopted a similar plan and style of building to that of the indigenous Oscan communities. It was during this period that the village of Pompeii grew from a small outpost to a proper walled town.
Roman Ages
The Roman conquest of Campania in the early third century BC opened a new chapter for the city of Pompeii. The Roman General Sulla besieged the city in 89 BC and it was shortly after this that it was incorporated as a Roman Municipality. It was during the Roman period that Pompeii flourished and grew into a prosperous town, as evidenced by its well-preserved streets, buildings, and even its public baths.
The Earthquake Of 62 AD
The town of Pompeii was severely damaged by an earthquake in 62 AD, and the citizens had to rebuild their city. As a result, many of the original streets, buildings and artifacts were lost or destroyed. However, during this rebuilding period the city experienced a new construction boom, and many of the iconic features we associate with Pompeii were actually built during this period, including the famous amphitheater, a number of baths, and an aqueduct.
The Vesuvius Eruption Of 79 AD
The most famous event in the city’s history is undoubtedly the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This catastrophic event buried the entire town of Pompeii under layers of volcanic ash and rock. As a result, the town was frozen in time, and the city’s structures, artworks and artifacts were preserved for posterity. To this day the structures and artifacts of Pompeii are among the most stunning and remarkable archaeological remains in the world.
Repopulation Of Pompeii
The tragic destruction of Pompeii and neighboring Herculaneum by the Vesuvius eruption was not the end of their stories. The site was eventually repopulated after the eruption, and buildings were reconstructed during the Roman Imperial period. The city’s ruins remained hidden throughout much of the Medieval and Renaissance periods, before they were eventually rediscovered in the 18th century.
Modern Times
Today, the site of Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important tourist destination. The city is still in the process of being excavated and restored – and its fascinating history and unforgettable artefacts continue to draw visitors from all over the world.
Conclusion
Though Pompeii will forever be known for its tragic fate, the city nevertheless has a long and fascinating history that stretches back thousands of years. Its origins date back to the ‘Iron Age’ when settlers first arrived in the hidden valley now known as the Bay of Naples. As time passed, the city grew and prospered, bringing with it iconic structures, monuments and artifacts that have been remarkably preserved until this day. The eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD buried the city in ash and rock, and though it was repopulated in later centuries, it remains an exploration site and a popular tourist spot – drawing in visitors from all over the world.
