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Pompeii. The city destroyed by a volcano. The bustling resort city with running water and even heat sent through the hollow walls and under floors, was soon to be no more.
The story of Pompeii is a tragic one. The Pompeii community was recovering from a major earthquake that ruined the city’s infrastructure in 63 AD when Mt. Vesuvius erupted killing approximately 16,000 people. Some people were buried alive by falling ash and molten material thrown from the volcano. Others died in a pyroclastic surge, or cloud of toxic gas, that is believed to be so hot that it killed hundreds in a fraction of a second, leaving their bodies frozen in time.
Due to the extensive damage caused by the eruption and the emotional turmoil, the city of Pompeii was frozen in time until explorers found the site in 1748. Looters had raided the area of many of the cities riches. Still, many buildings, skeletons, and remnants of the era were preserved by the volcanic ash. I would recommend a trip to the National Archeological Museum of Naples to make your trip to Pompeii complete.
Visiting Pompeii
Our way into the city of Pompeii. It is believed it used to be a tourist town for the Romans.
Chris in Pompeii. It was pretty hot. Thank God for slushies you may purchase at the entrance!
A statue on the ground in Pompeii.
A corridor in Pompeii.
Figurines found in Pompeii bath house.
Bath house in Pompeii that had running water. They were for public use. Only the rich could afford a private bath house. It was also a place for people to meet.
Replica of the Faun statue in what is left of the House of Fauns in Pompeii.
Mosaic floor pattern in Pompeii. It looks 3D but is actually flat.
Pompeii ruins.
Pompeii pottery.
There is a brothel here in Pompeii with some pretty obscene graffiti displaying sexual acts.
Another statue in Pompeii
This alter in Pompeii was used to sacrifice animals.
Horseman statue.
Another replica statue found in Pompeii. Look at the details within the chest.
Male statue in Pompeii.
Why yes, I can balance a naked man on my head.
More Pompeii ruins that looked extravagant.
Replica face statue in Pompeii.
This is a street in Pompeii. It is necessary to watch your step as some of the rocks are higher than others for water to run through to keep your feet dry.
At this point, our group cannot follow a map. I was desperate to see a major site in Pompeii. Here are ruins that lead to something exciting!
Our group was ready to go. But I wanted to explore just this last street!!!!
You couldn’t believe my excitement when we went through this alley off of the road in the previous picture! To our amazement was one of the Pompeii theaters that holds up to 1500 people for concerts and other shows.
Also in Pompeii, is the oldest surviving Roman amphitheater. Due to being short on time, unfortunately we did not get to see it. It is believed to have held up to 20,000 spectators for big events such as their loved Gladiator games. It was divided up into sections to accommodate the different social classes. The dignitaries were seated at the bottom, and the poor were at the top. The amphitheater was the model for the Colosseum which would be built over a 100 years later.
Tips for Exploring Pompeii
My regrets?
I didn’t have enough time to visit. I wish I had hired a tour guide for Pompeii instead of the horrible audio guide. It is easy to get lost and trying to figure out where you are wastes time. I wish I had the chance to visit the amphitheater and spend an afternoon at the museum in Naples. The bodies were not on display during my visit, instead there was a picture in the glass case.
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