The city of Pompeii sits near Naples in the Campania region of Italy. Modern Pompeii bustling with the noise of ordinary everyday life sprouted to life not long ago, in 1891. The modern city feels very much like an unmemorable satellite of much more attractive Naples. Nonetheless, it’s right here you can explore one of the most compelling archeological sites in the world: the ruins of Pompeii. This Roman city frozen in time offers an unusual insight into the ancient past. The many things to do in Pompeii paint quite the picture!
Resting in the shade of Mount Vesuvius, a still active volcano, the Pompeii Scavi site is a blunt reminder of the destructive fiery forces lying deep inside that mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has quite a story; a story people from all over the world gather to hear and see.
History of Pompeii
The origins of the old Roman city are a bit uncertain. However, it is likely the Campaign Oscans established Pompeii around the 7th century BC. Over the following seven centuries, the city came to belong to the Greeks and the Samnites. In 80 BC, it became a Roman colony. While the rulers changed, the nature and purpose of the city as a retreat for wealthy vacationers thirsty for the sun and scenery prevailed.
By the turn of the first century AD, the city was a buzzing resort for Rome’s wealthiest citizens. Elegant houses and pompous villas lined its streets. Vacationers, locals, and slaves scurried in and out of small factories and shops, taverns, cafes, markets, bathhouses, and even brothels. On the day of the eruption in 79 AD, historians estimate about 20,000 people living in Pompeii and its surroundings. While most of the population managed to be evacuated, over 2000 men, women, and children fell victims to the natural disaster.
By the next day when the eruption faded, Pompeii stood buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash which wrapped around everything and everyone left behind. A simple chemical reaction ensured the remains stayed preserved for millennia. After the eruption, Pompeii stayed untouched and out of sight for centuries. That is until 1748 when few explorers in search of ancient artifacts came to Campania and started to dig deep. They realized that ashes acted as an incredible preservative. Under all the debris, Pompeii stood precisely as it was two millennia ago with buildings intact and skeletons frozen as they fell. Later, archaeologists even discovered some jars of preserved fruit and loaves of bread.
Pompeii Today
Today, Pompeii Scavi offer an excellent opportunity to walk through an ancient Roman city allowing us to imagine the daily lives of its inhabitants. Things to do in Pompeii include visits to the towns amphitheater, wealthy villas, forum, shrines, bathhouses and more.
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