DAY 51 – An Entire Day for Ancient Pompeii

May 9 – 79 AD... The day Mount Vesuvius erupted 

We were very excited to finally go to the famous Pompeii.  We rode the Circumvesuviana "slow" train to get there by leaving very early.  We were one of the first ones into the gate and the rest of day was spent viewing a city of LONG ago and many of the people and things found in the city covered with ash and preserved so well for us to discover and study.

Into the front gate and the beginnings of the Ancient city of Pompeii

 The city of Pompeii was an ancient city near modern Naples along with Herculaneum and other villas in the surrounding area that were destroyed and buried under 13 to 20 feet of ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

The Temple of Jupiter with Mt. Vesuvius in the distance

Researchers believe that the town was founded in the 6th or 7th century BC and was captured by the Romans in 80 BC. By the time of its destruction, 160 years later, its population was probably approximately 20,000, with a complex water system, an ampitheatre, gymnasium and a port.

We got the audio guide which was so helpful for the history of the area

Yeah...I'm here!  How much do I love history??!!!

The objects buried beneath Pompeii were well-preserved for almost 2,000 years. The lack of air and moisture allowed for the objects to remain underground with little to no deterioration, which meant that, once excavated, the site had a wealth of sources and evidence for analysis, giving detail into the lives of the Pompeiians.

We saw many body casts, household items, and pots that have been excavated.

You could see the look of horror on this man's face - it is amazing that they were able to preserve this.

It looks like this man was in a praying position.

However, once exposed, Pompeii has been subject to both natural and man-made forces which have rapidly increased their rate of deterioration.  Weathering, erosion, light exposure, water damage, poor methods of excavation and reconstruction, introduced plants and animals, tourism, vandalism and theft have all damaged the site in some way. Two-thirds of the city has been excavated, but the remnants of the city are rapidly deteriorating.

Mount Vesuvius in the background

Much of the site was closed off while we were there because of lack of funds to preserve it or to control tourists from doing damage.  We still learned so much from what we saw...it was quite a sobering feeling to think of Mt. Vesuvius doing so much damage and the people not having time to get out of its path.

And behind this statue, you can see remnants of the "Pompeiian red" - such a vivid color. Researchers have reported that the remnants of the red color that is found throughout the town's frescoes and on painted walls, could possibly have been yellow - but reacted with the chemicals in Vesuvius' gasses, and then turned red. It's disputed, since some frescoes were deliberately painted with red, but they've found that others started out yellow.

Some of the frescoes that were found in the city were just beautiful!

Take a close look at the chariot wheels that have been carved into the rock roadways.  It was fun to walk on them and imagine being there nearly 2,000 years ago.

On market day, the people would use these circular places to put their seeds, grains, etc. to sell.

We met a Greek Professor teaching in Germany.  He was on his own, but we started talking and continued to tour Pompeii together.  We shared with him our meager lunch and enjoyed the afternoon with his knowledge and insight to Pompeii's history. We learned much more than we would have otherwise.  Plus...he could read the Latin inscriptions on some of the writings on the ancient walls.

Such a beautiful ampitheater - I just have to sing in it!  So I did!  I sang Puccini and found "the hole" where all sound comes back to the singer and it feels like the heavens are opening and you are singing from a cloud in the sky.... such resonance, such intensity, such vibrance I have never experienced before.  A once-in-a-lifetime experience!  Luckily Rich videotaped me during this and several tourists just clapped and clapped after I had finished!  Here it is:  Just click below!
"The Hole" singing experience at Pompeii with "O Mio Babbino"

Bye-Bye Pompeii from Panos and Shari...We'll be back someday - you were so very interesting!  We have learned much from all the devastation that was done. What a tragedy for you, but the future generations have benefited from this act of God.