Ancient History Pompeii and Herculaneum (Grade A+)
Summary:
In Campania, southwestern Italy, Pompeii and Herculaneum were bayside cities integral to ancient trade and tourism, connecting them to major ports in Egypt and Greece. The sea and the Sarno River, which flowed through the region, facilitated trade and provided resources, especially seafood. Mount Vesuvius, a significant active volcano, loomed nearby, making the land especially fertile (known as Campania Felix) and allowing for the cultivation of grapes, olives, and various fruits. This fertility is captured in artistic records like frescoes, with one from the House of the Centenary depicting a grape-covered Bacchus alongside Mt Vesuvius. However, in 79 AD, a catastrophic eruption from Mount Vesuvius buried both cities under ash and pyroclastic material, with historians still debating the exact date of this event. Notably, prior warning signs, like a significant earthquake in 62 AD, suggest the region’s vulnerability. The rediscovery of these cities began around 1592, with early excavation methods being highly destructive. Over time, the approach to excavation evolved, shifting the focus to conservation and preservation.
Excerpt:
Ancient History Pompeii and Herculaneum
Survey Dot Points
Location and geography
- Located in southwestern Italy, in the region of Campania.
- Bayside location was important as it allowed tourism and trade links via the sea to many important ancient ports in Egypt and Greece.
- Sea also provided the town with seafood to consume and trade.
- Sarno River flowed through the region and was a water source and transportation route.
- Mount Vesuvius was the largest active volcano situated in the region.
- Pompeii was 16 kilometres from the volcano, whilst Herculaneum was only 10 kilometres away.
- The region was fertile because of the volcano. Crops grew well and gave the citizens food such as grapes, olives and other fruits.
- Sources:
- Fresco from the House of the Centenary. A grape-covered Bacchus stands beside the lush Mt Vesuvius.
- Pliny the Elder: Mount Vesuvius can be seen not far away, and the Sarno River flows past.
- Martial: This is Vesuvius, but lately green with a shade of vines. Here the noble grape loaded the vats to overflowing. These slopes were more dear to Bacchus than Nysa’s hills.
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