Pompeii in short

A rich city on a river

Pompeii was built near the Sarno river and Mount Vesuvius. The guide says it was rich because of a nearby river port and fertile land beside the volcano, which meant plenty of food to eat and sell.

Roman rule

After some time the Romans became the rulers of Pompeii. The Park dates the colony of veterans to 80 BC and says the Romans made the city more beautiful and important. The Temple of Jupiter, for example, was rebuilt as a Capitolium after the colony was founded.

The earthquake of AD 62

A strong earthquake collapsed or damaged many houses. The Forum Baths, for example, were heavily damaged and then restored. The Park’s guide says painters were still restoring houses in AD 79 and left cups of pigment on floors, which archaeologists later found.

The eruption of AD 79

Vesuvius erupted and the Park says the city was covered by ash and lapilli, light stones. According to the guide the lava did not reach Pompeii. Many residents died doing everyday things. In the Garden of the Fugitives, 13 people were found trying to leave by the Nocera Gate.

Casts

When excavators found hollows in the ash, they filled them with liquid plaster. Once dry, the plaster showed the shape of the person who had been there. The Antiquarium and the Garden of the Fugitives show some of these casts.

Rediscovery

For a long time people did not know where the ancient city was. Archaeologists then started digging and found streets, houses and shops, and later restored and presented them. A new town of Pompeii stands next to the Park today.