Pompeii before the Eruption (79 AD)
Pompeii was a prosperous Roman town in the region of Campania around Mt. Vesuvius. The town was surrounded by a wall with many gates. The pedestrian and vehicle traffic were separated by two or three arched entrances. There were wide paved streets within the walls and there were more than several thousands of buildings including shops, factories, houses, villas, temples, taverns, schools, baths, brothels, theaters and a 20,000-seat arena. Pompeii was also one of the most important ports on the Bay of Naples where fruits, vegetables, seafood and meat were imported and exported.
The beautiful weather and scenery in Pompeii attracted many wealthy people to come to Pompeii for vacations. Many luxurious and extravagant houses and villas were built along the streets. The population in Pompeii was estimated to be about 10,000-20,000 before the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, one-third of them were slaves.
The beautiful weather and scenery in Pompeii attracted many wealthy people to come to Pompeii for vacations. Many luxurious and extravagant houses and villas were built along the streets. The population in Pompeii was estimated to be about 10,000-20,000 before the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, one-third of them were slaves.
Pompeii after the Eruption (2016)
Pompeii was completely buried after the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. The town was buried so quickly by volcanic ash that it was very well preserved. Pompeii remained undiscovered until 1748 and excavation still continues today. Archaeologists found that the volcanic ashes preserved this Ancient Roman town very well and Pompeii reappeared in front of our eyes again after 2,000 years. Today, about three-fifth of Ancient Pompeii have been recovered. A lot of the buildings were still intact, many paintings, artworks, potteries and even skeletons of the victims were well preserved. The layout of Pompeii's ruins includes the Forum, Theaters, Stebian Baths, House of Menander, Amphitheater, House of Vetti and Villia of Mysteries etc.
Since the excavation of Pompeii, it has been a popular destination for tourists. Pompeii is one of the best places to visit if you want to understand the Ancient Roman culture. Pompeii was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and there are about 2.5 million tourists per year.
Since the excavation of Pompeii, it has been a popular destination for tourists. Pompeii is one of the best places to visit if you want to understand the Ancient Roman culture. Pompeii was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and there are about 2.5 million tourists per year.