Before its catastrophic volcanic eruption in 79 AD, Pompeii was an idyllic Roman city with luxurious lifestyles and an economically stable population that enjoyed stunning views of Mount Vesuvius from every window.
Prior to recently, our knowledge of Pompeii was limited to some paintings and artifacts; but new discoveries are making this ancient world come to life again.
Thermopolium
Ancient Pompeii offered many thermopolia taverns – the Roman equivalent of fast-food joints – where residents could quickly grab a quick meal. But these restaurants were much more than simple dining spots; they provided insight into life in Pompeii itself and social interaction between citizens. Thanks to archaeological excavations, we can still admire remains from some of these charming eateries today!
Thermopolia were popular delis and cafes throughout ancient civilization, featuring hot and cold food stored in large jars on the counter top. Archaeologists have discovered over 80 such structures in Pompeii alone. One such Thermopolis found in Regio V stands out in particular: its walls feature an eye-catching fresco of Nereid riding her horse as a symbol for the sea – something not often found elsewhere!
Archaeologists in charge of the site believe that the thermopolium is an extraordinary and rare instance, providing unparalleled insights into the diets and lifestyles of Pompeian residents. Researchers discovered crushed fava beans likely used to modify wine tastes; another jar held bones of an 80-year-old male believed to have either owned or worked at this location.
Discovery of these remains has been made more complex by their apparent contamination by illegal excavators in the 17th century. These intruders reportedly dug tunnels into areas not yet open to the public within Pompeii and sifted through its soil in search of precious objects they could remove and sell on for profit; as a result, it’s also likely that any remains found here were dispersed or relocated by these intruders as well.
Though their archaeological team at Pompeii faces considerable obstacles in finishing its work quickly and restoring this thermopolium so it can be visited by tourists, once Pompeii reopens following its coronavirus pandemic visitors can gain a unique look into how residents once procured sustenance in this once thriving city.
The Forum
The Forum was the heart of Pompeii life; here people would gather to debate public affairs and participate in civic ceremonies. Additionally, this area served as a trading hub with items coming from all across the Mediterranean – domestic decorations like stunning porch columns featuring married couples, Satyrs and Maenads were traded here; along with coins from every part of the globe.
Pompeii was once a bustling port until an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD covered it in volcanic ash, providing protection from weather elements for centuries and enabling researchers to study daily life there. Today, Pompeii remains one of the world’s premier archaeological sites and offers visitors an unforgettable glimpse into Roman citizenship life.
Visitors to Pompeii can expect to encounter a gridlocked street plan, numerous buildings used for both business and residential purposes, temples, baths and colorful frescoes adorning its temples and baths – making for an incredible tourist experience that has inspired films and documentaries about this ancient Roman city.
Pompeii was discovered in 1748, leading to its first excavations beginning shortly thereafter. Work continues today; 2018 brought with it an exciting renaissance of new finds such as skeletons that brought back memories of its vibrant past.
Pompeii stands as perhaps the best-preserved Roman town ever discovered, boasting villas and homes, temples, baths, markets, jewellery, household objects evoking its wealth and culture of its citizens.
Pompeii came under Roman rule during the 2nd century BC after having been part of Samnite country for many years. Under Roman administration, its ruling family, Sulla, introduced Roman customs and language into Pompeii; Latin replaced Oscan as its official language and the city gradually transformed into something much closer to Roman in terms of institutions, architecture, culture and language.
Pompeii reached its height during the Julio-Claudian era (27 BC to 68 AD) as an elegant resort town for wealthy Roman families, particularly emperors who would stay at one of their luxurious mansions along the Bay of Naples. Additionally, during this time Pompeii became one of the primary sources for oil and wine for Rome.
The Palatine
The Palatine Hill was Rome’s birthplace and home to Romulus and Remus, its legendary founders. At one time it was one of Rome’s most desirable addresses with elegant villas that even modern visitors can admire and appreciate today.
Archaeological evidence indicates that human habitation on this hill dates back as early as the 10th century BC, according to Roman historian Livy. According to him, this location served as home to members of the aristocracy and wealthy families in the city as well as being used as a site of worship dedicated to Cibeles, an ambivalent goddess representing both creative and destructive forces.
Pompeii experienced an economic and architectural boom after Roman power reached its zenith under Emperor Nero’s rule, becoming an attractive resort town for Roman aristocracy. Monuments such as Fortuna Augusta’s Temple and Eumachus House bear witness to this golden age of Pompeii.
Pompeii’s wealthier citizens constructed magnificent residences that boasted large courtyards (hortus), columns, statues, fountains, vine-covered pergolas and canvas awnings adorned with vines for viniculture; during Renaissance artists like Raffaello and Pinturicchio would visit these underground rooms in search of inspiration from their intricate adornments.
Pompeii had become an economically prosperous city, yet many of its residents left to seek better lives elsewhere. However, that did not detract from Pompeii preserving its rich heritage: city walls made from tufo stone were expanded and fortified while olive oil and wine exports began being distributed across Mediterranean markets.
Pompeii remained home to thousands of families and ordinary people during its peak years; today its ruins provide us with a glimpse into this vibrant town’s everyday existence. Ruins from homes, public drinking fountains and other signs of everyday life provide us with insight into their daily lives in Pompeii’s past.
Pompeii has also served as a backdrop for films and television shows, such as BBC comedy show Up Pompeii! and Pink Floyd concert film Live at Pompeii from 1971.
The Villas
Pompeii’s villas provide one of the best places to experience its splendor and provide visitors with a glimpse into ancient Roman life. These structures often far outshone those in public buildings and give an amazing insight into ancient Rome life.
Modern English uses of “villa” refer to any house; in Roman times however it referred to an independent farmstead or country residence owned by wealthy families and typically fortified for defense against attack by enemies of Rome. Residents were tied economically to their estate through serfdom contracts while each villa also governed its own laws and had its own church.
Villas could be found both within cities and rural settings. A larger villa may feature various areas dedicated to various activities, including dining rooms with frescoes and statues as well as gardens featuring pools and fountains. Furthermore, typical villas often featured thermal suites equipped with baths as well as kitchen facilities.
Pompeii villas stand as testaments to its citizens’ wealth and desire for beauty and leisure, and can provide an oasis of calm from which to admire the surrounding sights.
One of the villas features an enormous garden filled with plaster casts of people killed during the eruption, both attractive and disturbing at the same time.
Nearby, is the Great House, a large villa featuring an eye-catching fresco of Venus and gardens, while also nearby are House of the Faun and its gorgeous garden and detailed bronze statue of Faun. Both locations make great destinations as they offer respite from crowds.
There are various Pompeii tours available, but for maximum benefit I suggest joining an official tour from inside the entrance gate. Tours offered outside are generally less informative. No matter what tour you choose, make sure it starts from the back and moves towards the front – this way you’ll avoid most crowds while getting to appreciate some lesser known temples as you go along.