Pompeii

Pompeii was a city-state located in southern Italy that was conquered by the Romans in 89 BC. This event marked the beginning of Roman influence and integration into the city. Under Roman rule, Pompeii flourished as an important commercial and cultural center. The city’s strategic location near the Bay of Naples and its fertile soil made it an ideal hub for trade and agriculture.

However, Pompeii faced numerous challenges throughout its history. In 62 AD, a powerful earthquake struck the region, causing severe damage to many buildings. Despite the destruction, the resilient Pompeians rebuilt and carried on with their daily lives. The most infamous event in Pompeii’s history occurred in 79 AD when Mount Vesuvius, a nearby volcano, erupted. The eruption unleashed a devastating combination of ash, pumice, and toxic gases that engulfed the city within hours.

Ironically, the volcanic ash that destroyed Pompeii also preserved it remarkably well. The thick layer of ash formed a protective shell around the city, freezing it in time. Archaeological excavations have provided unparalleled insights into ancient Roman life.

Today, Pompeii stands as a fascinating open-air museum, providing a unique glimpse into the daily lives of its ancient inhabitants. Exploring the well-preserved streets, houses, and public buildings allows visitors to experience the rich history and culture of a once-thriving Roman city.

I didn’t spend the amount of time I’d have liked, but I enjoyed the few hours I was there. And thank God Mount Vesuvius didn’t erupt when I was there. It’s still active, if you didn’t know, and overdue for another eruption. You can get to Pompeii by taking the train from Rome to Naples. And from Naples to Pompeii. It’s a little tricky finding the correct train at Naples, but I found it eventually.

I’ll mention the baths, forum, views, plaster casts, and pizza

Baths

There were several baths in ancient Pompeii. I visited two. Ancient baths were a place of relaxation and politics. Probably not at the same time.

In the Suburban Baths, there are several rooms in Pompeiis baths, beginning with the changing room. Then there are three rooms of different temperatures. The frigidarium is for a cold bath. The tepidarium is a transition room before you enter the hot bath or caldarium.

In the forum baths, there were some neat remains. Check out the brass heater that warmed the caldarium. I love the figures on the walls, especially the homies holding up the shelves. This bath building had handy openings in the ceiling for light.

The Forum

Just like in Rome, Pompeii’s forum was the heart of the city. It housed temples, a room for measurements, a stage for judicial events, and a basilica. The forum is much smaller than Rome’s, but it’s still amazing. To think that the entire city was buried under 15 feet of ash and this all remains…It’s a great spot to sit for a moment and imagine the area swarming with citizens. Just off in the distance, you can see Mount Vesuvius. I can almost hear the loud BOOM as it erupts. I almost saw the wave of ash running to me at 100 mph. Almost. For today, it’s peaceful.

Views

I wished I could have climbed Vesuvius, but I instead climbed one of the city’s towers. Even here, the views were beautiful. The city streets of Pompeii are full of homes and businesses. Unfortunately during my visit, many of the homes were closed. But I still got to see many of the sites. I loved the views from here and the warmth of the sun.

Plaster Casts

These plaster casts were made in the 1860s by Giuseppe Fiorelli, an Italian archaeologist. He discovered air pockets in the layers of pumice and ash. Fiorelli poured plaster of Paris and water into these pockets. The team then carefully extricated the hardened casts. Fiorelli discovered them to be human remains. Not in the sense of skeletons. These molds were formed because people were buried so quickly and the ash hardened. After natural decomposition, there remained the air pocket that shows the final moments of the person. These molds also include clothing shapes, like a man holding a toga over his mouth, as well as plant matter.

These molds show fear, surprise, and sadness more than any skeleton ever could. Did I mention that my first crush I can remember was in first grade? I read about Pompeii for the first time and was introduced to these casts. One image in the elementary book was the reconstructed face of a young Pompeiian girl who was caught in the ash. She was beautiful. I hope I met her during my trip, but I can’t be sure.

Entertainment

Pompeii had an entertainment square with the Little Theater, the Theater, and a Triangle Theater area. As I sat in the Theater, I listened to the audio of a monologue perhaps performed in Pompeii. I almost saw a man on stage speaking to me and a thousand other citizens of Pompeii. And for a moment, I was transported to 2000 years ago, surrounded by plebs and the social elite.

The colosseum of Pompeii is one of the best preserved. The area of the colosseum was dug down into so that there was a bowl. This made adding seating and walls much easier by simply erecting them onto the edge of the bowl. The colosseum could seat around 20,000 people, which allowed everyone from Pompeii and those from surrounding towns. Imagine the small stadium full of cheering and jeering. There was supposed to be a ten-year hiatus in gladiatorial fights, but that was suspended after the earthquake of 62AD. So it was easy to hear the sounds of swords clashing on shields and of flesh being sliced into. I can smell loaves of bread and taste ancient beer. Ick.

Pizza

After Pompeii, I got pizza in Naples. I was hoping for thick crust pizza. That’s what Naples is known for, right?! Well, it wasn’t. But it was still delicious. I went to L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. The pizza was half margarita and half marinara. I enjoyed the pieces of garlic. The pizza was served quickly and yummy. I recommend. L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele offers just a few options – five I think. So that means quickly delivered pizzas and solid quality.

Conclusion

Overall, I was highly impressed with the sheer size and grandeur of Pompeii. Upon visiting this historical site, I couldn’t help but marvel at the incredible richness of its architectural remains and the captivating stories they tell. If you ever plan a trip to Pompeii, I would highly recommend either hiring a guide or opting for the audio guide.

By choosing a guide, you can enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace and have the flexibility to visit any area that piques your interest. As you roam the ancient streets, you will find that there are dedicated segments for numerous buildings, each offering a deeper understanding of Pompeii’s vibrant past. Moreover, the audio guide enhances your experience by providing fascinating insights into various aspects of life in Pompeii, including dramatic monologues on the stage and intriguing information on food and dining habits during that era.

During my visit, two particular attractions captivated my attention: the theaters and the plaster casts. The theaters in Pompeii are truly magnificent, taking you back in time to an era when drama and entertainment were an integral part of daily life. It’s awe-inspiring to imagine the bustling excitement and the crowd’s reactions to the performances that once graced these ancient stages.

However, it was the plaster casts that left the most profound impact on me. These casts, created from the voids left in the volcanic ash by the bodies of Pompeii’s unfortunate victims, offer a haunting glimpse into the human tragedy that occurred on that fateful day when Mount Vesuvius erupted. The level of detail preserved in these casts, including facial features and expressions, is both incredible and deeply moving, serving as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of human existence.

As I reflect on my visit to Pompeii, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation to return and explore this ancient city once more, but this time with companions. Exploring such a historical site with others would offer the opportunity to share in the awe and wonderment it inspires, to exchange thoughts and impressions, and to create lasting memories together.

Pompeii is undoubtedly a place that allows us to step back in time and immerse ourselves in the captivating stories of an ancient civilization. It is a destination that not only educates but also deeply touches the soul. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of archaeology, or simply someone seeking a unique and enriching experience, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Pompeii. You will undoubtedly come away with a profound appreciation for the ancient world and the enduring legacy it has left behind.