Pompeii and final post

We finish our adventure in Italy with a run down to Naples to go to the National Museum and see Pompeii.  As you may recall from history class Mt. Vesuvius’ eruption in 64AD and smothered the city of Pompeii.  It was sudden and catastrophic.  2000 people died.  Smothered by volcanic ash either trying to escaped or trying to hide.  And thus they remained for 1500 years.  The city disappeared for 150 decades.  In the 15th century it was rediscovered and we have been excavating it ever since.  About 2/3 has been unearthed and by doing so we have for the first and only time been able to peer into ancient life as it was, unchanged and unmolested for, now, 2000 years.

Our visit to the National Museum in Naples was important since that is where they removed most of the artifacts, the few that one sees in Pompeii itself are reproductions or in very poor condition.  What is also a hallmark of Pompeii are the actual people that lived there were discovered by the void they left in the volcanic ash.  Archeologists poured these with plaster and the people were “rediscovered”.  Indeed, the result was a combination of plaster, bones and jewelry!  Only two individuals are on display, others can be found on the internet.  What does one conclude by looking at ancient life as it was lived 2000 years ago?  Little has changed in life.  People have always been poor or wealthy, healthy or sick, rich or poor, privileged or not, lucky….. or not.

Pompeii, with Mr. Vesuvius in the background. Before it blew, the western flank, on the right was its extent, and it was about twice as high.

  

Men’s gymnasium with the different pools from hot to cold, heated flooring, the works.

 

A typical courtyard.  They have replanted many of the vegetation growing in 64AD.   Determined by pollen, seeds and leaf and branch impressions.

They had about the same number of brothels as they did bakeries. Over one hundred of each.  I guess that is about right for a city of 20,000!  This is a bed with stone pillow, the scenes depicted about each chamber was a “menu”. 

    

Other victims were found huddled under stair ways with their boxes of gold and jewelry.

OK, here is a picture of a bakery as well.  On the right are the mills to grind the grain to flour, on the left the oven for baking.

Finally, the amphitheater.  Any good Roman city has one.  This one is smaller, seats for around 5000.  Some of the original marble, but also, they have rebuilt it so they can use it for concerts today!