Pompeii: a journey through time and amazing facts

Pompeii is an archaeological site near Naples that was buried under ash and lava in AD 79 due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

This tragic event preserved the city almost unchanged, giving us a rare opportunity to see the life of ancient Romans.

What to See as a Tourist

• Pompeii Forum: The central square, surrounded by temples, basilicas, and public buildings. Here, you can feel the atmosphere of the ancient city.
• House of the Faun: One of the largest and most luxurious houses in Pompeii, famous for its mosaics, including the renowned "Alexander Mosaic."
• Great Theatre: An ancient theatre where plays and musical performances were held. Today, it sometimes hosts concerts.
• Lupanar: An ancient brothel with preserved frescoes that provide insights into the social aspects of the time.
• Pompeii Amphitheatre: One of the oldest Roman amphitheatres, seating up to 20,000 spectators. Gladiatorial fights were held here.

5 Interesting Facts About Pompeii

1. Frozen in time: The eruption of Vesuvius buried the city so quickly that many residents couldn’t escape, leaving us with a "snapshot" of Roman life.
2. Ancient graffiti: Inscriptions and drawings on the walls of buildings reflect the thoughts, jokes, and even advertisements of the inhabitants.
3. Advanced technology: Pompeii had a developed water supply and sewer system, as well as public baths and thermae.
4. Streets and roads: Stone slabs with deep ruts from carts and pedestrian crossings show the thoughtful urban infrastructure.
5. Influence on art: The discovery of Pompeii in the 18th century inspired many artists and architects, leading to the rise of the neoclassical style.

During excavations, archaeologists discovered voids in the layers of ash left behind after the decomposition of organic materials.

In the 19th century, Italian archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli developed a method of filling these voids with plaster, creating casts of people and animals in their final moments. These casts provide a unique window into the tragic events of the eruption, allowing us to see emotional scenes from the lives of ancient residents.

Thanks to the preserved inscriptions and graffiti on the walls, scientists have been able to reconstruct the daily lives of Pompeii’s residents. For example, they found schedules for gladiator fights, political slogans, and even personal notes.

Visiting Pompeii is a unique opportunity to touch history and see how people lived two thousand years ago.