The History of Pompeii and Surrounding Cities
Think coastal Italy 79 AD. This was the time and location of an ancient city called Pompeii. Pompeii is located on the Bay of Naples in southern Italy, in the region of Campania and the province of Napoli, just 2 Km from the base of the large Volcano Mt Vesuvius. Pompeii was wiped out in 79 AD by the huge volcanic eruption of Mt Vesuvius. Before this, Pompeii was a thriving city, that seduced any who enjoyed the warm, rich, coastal environment. The city had many important locations such as a theatre, amphitheatre, gladiator’s court, lots of temples and three lavish roman style baths. The large villas around to coast were filled with holidaying/living wealthy merchants, landowners and politicians, whereas the city consisted largely of artisans and shopkeepers. Pompeii was known for its wine and food trade. The rich volcanic soil made the land very prosperous in the agricultural sense. The Pompeiians also produced millstones, fish sauce, perfumes and expensive cloth.
Pompeii is so famous because it was buried under Volcanic ashes and rock. It was forgotten and unknown about for 1621 years. In the 1700's people started to remember and speak of the lost city. Archaeologists started to dig and recover buildings, objects and full casts of the people of Pompeii. The casts of ash were so detailed you can see the expression of agony on their faces. Another town that was buried during the 79 AD eruption of Mt Vesuvius was the ancient city of Herculaneum. Herculaneum was much smaller than Pompeii, again located in the bay of Naples, but right on the base of Mt Vesuvius. It was much better preserved than Pompeii, yet it is no where near as famous and almost unknown. |
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