Pompeii Was a Thriving Tourist Destination
Long before the eruption, Pompeii was a popular resort town for wealthy Romans. Positioned near the coast of the Bay of Naples, it offered beautiful views, warm weather, and a variety of entertainment. Wealthy Romans would travel to Pompeii to enjoy its bustling streets, public baths, theaters, and vibrant nightlife. The city was a mix of luxurious villas, lush gardens, and elaborate public spaces, filled with stunning frescoes and mosaics that visitors could admire.
The Eruption Happened Over Multiple Days
Although we often imagine the eruption of Mount Vesuvius as a single catastrophic event, it actually unfolded over several days. The eruption began on August 24, 79 AD, with an initial column of ash and pumice shooting into the sky. It wasn’t until the second day that the pyroclastic flows—superheated currents of gas, ash, and rock—surged down the volcano’s slopes, instantly burying and suffocating Pompeii’s residents. This prolonged sequence explains why some residents tried to flee and others sought shelter, ultimately trapped as conditions worsened.
Pliny the Younger Recorded the Eruption
Pompeii’s destruction is one of the best-documented ancient disasters thanks to the writings of Pliny the Younger, a Roman administrator and writer. Pliny was staying near Pompeii when Vesuvius erupted and observed the event from a distance. In letters to the historian Tacitus, he described the eruption in vivid detail, including the “pine tree” shape of the ash cloud rising from Vesuvius. His account remains one of the earliest eyewitness descriptions of a volcanic eruption.
Pompeiians Loved Fast Food
Fast food isn’t just a modern phenomenon; Pompeii had its own version! Excavations have revealed more than 150 thermopolia, or ancient snack bars, throughout the city. These establishments were similar to today’s street food vendors, with large counters where Pompeiians could buy ready-to-eat meals. Thermopolia served dishes such as lentils, fish, and even roasted meats. Archaeologists have discovered remnants of these foods, as well as frescoes on the counters depicting what was available, showing the variety and popularity of “fast food” in Pompeii.
Graffiti Covered Pompeii’s Walls
The people of Pompeii were avid graffiti writers, leaving behind an extraordinary record of their thoughts, jokes, and grievances. Ancient graffiti covered walls in public places, homes, and even businesses. These inscriptions reveal a wide range of topics, from romantic notes and political opinions to crude jokes and declarations of friendship. Some graffiti even advertises local events like gladiator games. This graffiti provides a unique, human perspective on the lives and social dynamics of Pompeiians, showing that some things, like public commentary, haven’t changed much over millennia.
Pompeii Had Sophisticated Plumbing
One of the surprising discoveries about Pompeii is its advanced plumbing system. Wealthier homes in Pompeii were equipped with indoor bathrooms and lead pipes that carried fresh water, a luxury in ancient times. Public baths were also common, and a complex aqueduct system supplied water to public fountains throughout the city. Additionally, Pompeii had a sewage drainage system, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of urban infrastructure. This plumbing network highlights the Roman focus on hygiene and the quality of public life.
The City Had a High Number of Brothels
Pompeii was known for its numerous brothels, with the most famous being the Lupanar, which was discovered with explicit frescoes on its walls. These brothels catered to a diverse clientele, from locals to visiting tourists. The artwork found in these establishments gives an insight into the sexual culture of the time. Rooms were small and often included stone beds, but Pompeiians also frequented inns and private homes for such purposes, suggesting that sex work was widely accepted and commonplace in Roman society.
The Famous “Casts” Are a Modern Archaeological Technique
The haunting plaster casts of Pompeii’s victims, frozen in their final moments, are one of the city’s most famous sights. These casts were created in the 19th century by archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli, who noticed that spaces left by decomposed bodies in the ash layer could be filled with plaster to recreate the shapes of the victims. This method has since been refined, with resin sometimes used to create more detailed casts. The casts provide a direct connection to the tragedy, capturing people in their last moments as they shielded loved ones or tried to escape.
Pompeii is Still Being Excavated and Studied
Despite being rediscovered in the 18th century, Pompeii remains an active archaeological site, and new findings continue to emerge. Only about two-thirds of the ancient city has been excavated, with many areas still uncharted or buried for preservation purposes. Archaeologists are also using advanced technology, like ground-penetrating radar and 3D imaging, to analyze artifacts and structures with minimal disturbance. Recent discoveries have included colorful frescoes, intact skeletons, and well-preserved everyday items that add depth to our understanding of Pompeii’s history and lifestyle.
