Pompeii

Overview

Preserved by the eruption of nearby Mt. Vesuvius in 79 CE, the city of Pompeii is a unique window into the life of first century Roman Empire. Archeologists are able to show us daily life, art, architecture and culture through Pompeii’s remarkable ruins, bringing to life both its dramatic destruction and its extraordinary rediscovery. Join Active Minds as we investigate the history and life of this international trading port and explore the legacy of the ancient Roman world.

Key Lecture Points

• In 79 CE Mount Vesuvius erupted destroying life in the nearby coastal Roman city of Pompeii.  The eruption of resulted in anything living being instantly asphyxiated by the blast, thereby left laying in place.  This was followed by a thick rain of ash that covered the whole city.
• Pompeii had existed for centuries under the rule of local peoples before the Romans occupied it in 80 BCE.  The ash of Vesuvius preserved the city that had been in existence for centuries. What we see as archaeologists have gradually uncovered Pompeii is a thriving cosmopolitan, international trading port, with influences of the previous occupants, along with those from other parts of the Mediterranean, notably Greece and Egypt.
• Since the mid-19th century, a technique developed by Italian archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli to pump plaster inside hollows allows visitors to see the features, even facial expressions, of the people who perished. Viewing life-like scenes of individual, families arouses a range of feelings in those that view them, as well as contemplation on the nature of mortality.
• Today Pompeii is a national archeological park where work continues, and some 4 million people visit annually. Recent discoveries include that translation of carbonized scrolls, long considered too fragile to unroll.
• With limited resources, there is some debate about whether to emphasize preservation of what’s already been uncovered or continued excavation of the 1/3 of the city still buried. 

Discussion Questions

• What explains our lasting curiosity about the uncovered artifacts of Pompeii?
• Have you visited Pompeii?  What was your reaction?
• What do you believe is the proper way to continue to explore Pompeii?  Should more money be spent in preserving that which has already been uncovered at the expense of further excavation?

More to Explore

• Website for the archeological park Click here
• UNESCO world heritage discussion and designation Click here

Books for Further Reading

• Beard, Mary. The Fires of Vesuvius, 2010. Belknap Press: An Imprint of Harvard University Press. 384 pages. Well-known classicist sets out her interpretation of what remains tell us about daily life in Pompeii and the eruption itself.
• Harris, Robert. Pompeii: A Novel, 2003. Random House. 368 pages. A riveting fictional account of the last days of Pompeii by the author of Conclave and other popular books.
• Zuchtriegel, Gabriel.  The Buried City: Unearthing the Real Pompeii, 2025.  University of Chicago Press. 256 pages. The most recent discoveries by the director of the Archeological Park.