City of Pompeii

Situated in Campania, Italy, the City of Pompeii was among the flourishing cities in Ancient Rome.

Several archaeologists believe that the city was brought to existence by a primitive lava flow in the northern part of the Sarnus, which is now known as the modern Sarno River.

Unlike any other cities in Rome, the city of Pompeii was destroyed following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius during 79 A.D.

Pompeii along with Torre Annunziata, Stabiae, Herculaneum, and other districts were buried under a bulky carpet of volcanic ash that caused in deaths of more than two thousand people.

Although the city was abandoned for years, numerous explorers located the site in 1748.

To their surprise, the city of Pompeii was still intact under a substantial layer of dust and debris.

At the time of its destruction, the city of Pompeii catered to about 20,000 inhabitants.

The City

Prior to its destruction, Pompeii was among the top vacation spots for Roman people.

Historians suggest that a number of rich Romans owned summer residences in Pompeii and would stay there during hot summer months.

Other than that, Pompeii was just a regular Roman city. It showcases a Forum, where most of the business dealings are discussed and completed.

Additionally, it is also loaded with various temples which are located near the Forum such as the Temple of Venus, the Temple of Apollo, and the Temple of Jupiter.

Facts about the Ancient City of Pompeii

  • In 1997, the City of Pompeii along with Torre Annunziata, and Herculaneum were recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
  • Other than volcanic eruptions, the residents of Pompeii often experienced constant earthquakes. According to several scholars, a massive earthquake destroyed a number of buildings in Pompeii during 62 A.D. It is also worth noting that the city was still rebuilding when Mount Vesuvius erupted.
  • Mount Vesuvius erupted after the religious festival of Vulcan. Interestingly enough, Vulcan is the Roman God of Fire. Scientists estimate that the thermal energy released by the volcanic eruption was close to a hundred thousand times the energy discharged by the atomic bomb discarded in Hiroshima, Japan.
  • The City of Pompeii was recovered by explorers in the region of Campania, Italy.
  • Pompeii was also most famous for the Temple of Isis, which is dedicated to the Egyptian goddess, Isis. In addition, sculptures and images of Isis were also discovered in over 20 houses along with several statues of the gods and goddesses in Roman Mythology.
  • While the cult of Isis primarily gained the attention of women and slaves, its rituals and ceremonies are still unspecified.
  • More than a hundred scribbling are found in the Forum of Pompeii.
  • The amphitheater was initially quarried in 1815 wherein diggers found mural paintings and several artworks of animals that include bulls and bears.

Q&A

What are the primary sources of entertainment in Pompeii?

Pompeii was a hub for entertainment. It boasts a large amphitheater that could cater to at least 20,000 people for gladiator battles.

Likewise, the city is also geared with a number of theaters that serve as a venue for occasions such as musical concerts, religious processions, and theatrical plays.

How is water supply distributed in Pompeii?

Water supply in Pompeii was carried by an aqueduct and properly distributed to fountains and tanks as well as public baths and toilets.

Wealthy people, on the other hand, have their own water tanks in their respective homes.

Who discovered Pompeii?

Scholars believe that Pompeii was discovered by Oscan people during the 7th century B.C.

What is the primary destination of Pompeii?

Among the primary destinations in the city was The Port, which was the center for farming and trading.

In addition, it is also abundant in volcanic soil which resulted in the creation of excellent pastures for olive trees and grapes.