POMPEII
Two thousand years ago, few people knew that Vesuvius was a volcano, although in AD 62, what turned out to be a premonitory tremor caused damage to the coastal city of Pompeii and towns in the vicinity. Years later, residents were still repairing the damage to their homes and public buildings. Then, in AD 79, came a devastating eruption. The city’s 20,000 inhabitants were frozen in time, perfectly preserved by volcanic ash. The result is a time capsule that has fascinated visitors since its discovery in the 18th century.
Map of Pompeii
NEED TO KNOW
Via Villa dei Misteri 2 • 081 857 53 47 • www.pompeiisites.org • Open 9am–7:30pm daily (to 5pm Nov–Mar); last entry 90 mins before closing time • Adm: €16
Herculaneum, Ercolano Scavi, Corso Resina: open 10:30am–7:30pm Wed–Mon; adm €10; www.ercolano.beniculturali.it
Oplontis: Via Sepolcri 10; open 9am–7pm Wed–Mon; adm €7
Stabiae: Passeggiata Archeologica 1, Castellammare di Stabia; open 8:30am–7:30pm Wed–Mon
Crater of Vesuvius: open 9am–5pm daily (to 3pm Nov–Feb; to 4pm Mar & Oct; to 6pm Jul & Aug); adm €10; www.parconazionaledelvesuvio.it
- Advance booking for Herculaneum, Oplontis and Stabiae is advised (www.ticketone.it).
- Some houses may be closed for restoration.
1. Forum
Every Roman city centred commercial, civic, political and religious life around the Forum, generally a long rectangular area.
Forum
2. Amphitheatre
Far to the east stands Pompeii’s amphitheatre – a typical oval shape, though small by Roman standards. It was the first of its kind to be built for gladiatorial combat.
Amphitheatre
3. Stabian Baths
To the west of Via Stabiana are the Stabian Baths, dating back to the 4th century BC. These baths were heated using a system in the walls and floors that circulated hot air.
4. Theatre
The large theatre, built in 2nd-century BC in the style of the Greek system, used the slope of the land for the cavea (seating area).
5. House of Menander
This grand house includes an atrium, peristyle and baths. It proved to be a treasure-trove of silver objects, now on display in Naples’ Museo Archeologico.
House of Menander
6. Brothel
The lupanarium, which is the largest of the ruined Roman city’s brothels, is decorated with frescoes depicting erotic, sometimes explicit, acts, which helped to inform the clients what services the prostitutes would provide.
7. House of the Vettii
One of the most beautiful houses in Pompeii, the interior is adorned with splendid paintings and friezes featuring mythological themes.
8. House of the Golden Cupids
This sumptuous house was named after the gold-leaf decorations of amorini (cupids) in the bedroom. It was owned by the Poppaea family, that of Nero’s second wife. The gardens were adorned with sculptures, marble tables and a pool.
9. House of the Faun
The 1-m (3-ft) bronze statue of the Dancing Faun, found here in the middle of the courtyard pond, accounts for the name of this house, which covered an entire city block. Wall decorations and opus sectile mosaic marble floors can be seen here.
House of the Faun
10. Via dei Sepolcri
The Street of the Tombs lies outside the city gates for fear of the dead bringing bad luck. A large and important cemetery area, this long street was lined on both sides by tombs as well as commercial buildings and villas.
MOUNT VESUVIUS
In ancient times, Vesuvius was simply “the mountain”, covered with vegetation and vines, until it famously blew its stack in AD 79. At least five other occurrences have been recorded in the last 400 years and experts estimate that it could erupt again at any time. Its last rumble was in 1944, when the pointed cone disappeared, along with the smoky plume that issued from it.
