Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Cataclysms: Pompeii

On our last full day of touring, we visited two memorials to the dead -- Pompeii and the Montecassino Commonwealth War Cemetery. This post is about Pompeii.

Pompeii

I've decided to let pictures tell the story of my visit to Pompeii. Everyone knows about the historical event, so there is not much I can add, except my enduring impressions. Pompeii was settled 2,700 years ago by the Greeks, with temples, an amphitheater, homes large and small, and shops galore. When the Romans moved in, they were horrified by the lack of drains, which they instantly retrofitted, as well as adding a gladiator training ground. The Greeks built with pumice, but the Romans with brick and mortar, which was much sturdier and lent itself to more beautiful structures such as arches.

Pompeii was big enough to hold a population of 30,000 -- a good sized town! -- although at the time of the eruption, probably 12,000 - 15,000 were living there. There was no lava in Pompeii -- it was smothered in ash, and its denizens were suffocated to death.

The dead of Pompeii -- they covered their mouths
to try to prevent asphyxiation, to no avail.











Footnote: I bought a small tile at Pompeii bearing the inscription Cave Canem -- Latin for "Beware of the Dog." I have always wanted one of these. True story.

No comments:

Post a Comment