Nowhere in the world does a volcanic eruption linger in people’s minds even after centuries – Yes, we’re talking about the historic eruptions in 79 AD that shattered two ancient Italian cities, Pompeii and Herculaneum. On the 24th of August, centuries back, Mount Vesuvius poured searing volcanic ash over these two cities, of which Pompeii was the bigger victim.
Excavations of the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum began in the mid 19th- century; years after the two cities were completely forgotten. To their surprise, archeologists found spectacular frescos in the remains of magnificent Roman villas in Pompeii. It was evident that ancient Romans spent a lot on impressive infrastructure. Apart from digging out paintings, furniture, and the vestiges of beautiful houses, archaeologists were able to understand the lifestyle of the ancient Romans.
Above all, the architectural design of Pompeii took everyone by surprise. The city had a sophisticated three-stream running water system, outdoor food taverns, streets with cobblestone sidewalks, and a number of arty public fountains. However, rediscovery reached its peak when an Italian archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli discovered moulds of the volcanic victims buried under the ash. They tell us how those victims tried hard to escape poisonous fumes, before eventually giving up.
The findings in Herculaneum were equally awe-inspiring. The villas in ancient Herculaneum were even bigger and elaborate than the ones in Pompeii. A huge theatre, a basilica, and the Villa of the Papyri were some of the key excavations. Although most of the burnt scrolls in this villa were fused into solid bumps, archaeologists were able to read a few scrolls using recent technical advancements. The paintings and other artworks here are also plenty and a major part of the city is yet to be discovered!
The National Archaeological Museum of Naples houses a fabulous collection of excavated artifacts from the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. And, there’s a secret room displaying some erotic relics too! If you think that visiting such historic Italian towns is a great way to relive the past, then why not plan a trip to Italy this summer and include the ruins of Pompeii and ancient Herculaneum in the itinerary?
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[…] volcanic ash over these two cities, of which Pompeii was the bigger victim. Excavations of the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum began in the mid-nineteenth century; years after the two cities were completely […]