Pompeii, Italy is also called “Sin City” located near Naples, Italy. It is a well preserved Roman city which was buried by the vast volcano eruption. During the eruptions buildings were destroyed, peoples were buried and the whole city filled with ashes. After the 18th century this ancient monument was discovered by the archaeologist of Italy. Interestingly Pompeii, Italy was listed in the final list of the new 8 wonders of the world before finally selecting the Cambodia Angkor Wat temple.
Such a magnificent Italian city which was a hub for traders, merchants and even daily peoples is severely diminished. Never miss to discover by yourself once in your lifetime especially its museums, buried human habitant’s, ruins and amphitheater, hiking in Mount Vesuvius and visiting Villa dei Misteri. Here we provide some of the crucial data which are necessary to a backpacker.
History of Pompeii, Italy
Pompeii is a well preserved ancient Roman city located near Naples, Italy. When we talk about the history of Pompeii we should go back to the 7th or 6th century BCE and it is known for being a famous and important trading hub because of its proximity to the Bay of Naples. The city flourished during the Roman Republic periods and later became a popular resort for wealthy Romans. Before the 6th century Pompeii was under the Oscan speaking descendants of Neolithic inhabitants of Campania on the bank of Sarnus River.
On August 24, 79 CE, Pompeii was suffered and destroyed and buried under meters of ash and pumice when nearby Mount Vesuvius volcano erupted. The reason for the eruption is little warning, catching the inhabitants off guard. Massive volcanic eruption created huge volume of ash and debris rapidly covered the city, leading to the preservation of its structures, objects, and even individual human remains. Later Etruscans got a full control over the Pompeii until their sea power was flourished by the King Hieron in the new battle of Cumae in 475 BCE. End of the 5th century an Italian tribe called Samnites conquered Campania and Pompeii.
Until the 18th century this massive city suffered and hidden under the ash and hidden from the world remained buried. Pompeii wasn’t the city which was rediscovered during the excavation process. Initially rediscovery led to only basic extensive excavations, revealing a remarkably preserved city frozen in time.
Such a great heritage site in the whole of Italy Pompeii offers valuable insights into various wings of ancient roman way of lives. This site offers a wide range of buildings, houses, temples, theatres and open bathroom and canal systems. The intricate frescoes and mosaics found under these ruins offer a glimpse into the art and daily life of the ancient Romans.
After the excavation in Pompeii and artefacts recovered from Pompeii have provided historians with a wide area of knowledge about the culture, economy, and social structure of the Pompeii peoples. Buried bodies of ancient peoples and their body casts of victims give a haunting representation of the human tragedy that unfolded during the eruption.
After analyzing the historical significance and its values and virtues are transforming to present days. That’s why it is recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage site. Even today it also serves as testament to the devastating power of nature and the fragility of human existence. Due to its historical and tragic events, it is considered a major archaeological attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year.
Top 5 Things to Do in the Pompeii, Italy
As a traveler there are few important things which you can do. Those are
1. Explore the Ancient Ruins
Ancient ruins here in Pompeii, Italy are really worth discovering. Those ancient ruins were destroyed during the 79 CE due to a nearby volcano. It is worth exploring the remains of this ancient Roman city, which was buried human inhabitants under volcanic ash. It is most erupted, Vesuvius and covering 19 feet of ash and volcano debris. Historical marvel contains well-preserved buildings, streets, and artwork that offer a picture into Roman life.
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2. Visit the Pompeii Archaeological Museum
A UNESCO World Heritage site located in the nearby Pompeii. Museum offers unique and cultural importance’s together with the Herculaneum and Oplontis. Pompeii museum displays a vast collection of artefacts recovered and “Rego” (9 areas, ancient streets and alleys, amphitheaters and necropolis). It provides additional insights into the daily life, art, and culture of this remarkable ancient city especially during the times of 79 A.D.
3. Hike Mount Vesuvius
Apart from ancient and historical importance’s, Pompeii offers some of the breath-taking events like hiking in Mount Vesuvius. Never forget to take a day trip to Mount Vesuvius, the volcano responsible for the destruction of Pompeii. While climbing the summit you can spot ruins of Pompeii, where more than thousands of people died due to volcanic eruptions. Enjoy a moderate hiking up to the summit, where initially starts 800 meters long and takes 20 to 30 minutes and when reaching the top there path also starts 800 meters where you can witness panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and the surrounding landscapes.
4. See the Amphitheatre
Don’t miss the chance to see the Pompeii Amphitheatre, such a great and marvelous human creation considered as one of the oldest surviving Roman amphitheaters. Purpose of creating such a mass theatre to attract all classes of people was to sit and enjoy high class people to watch cultural and spectacular performances together. Mainly used for gladiator combat venations and executions. It offers a fascinating look at the events that took place here, with a total seating capacity of 20,000 spectaculars.
5. Explore the Villa dei Misteri
Villa dei Misteri is a well preserved house in Pompeii located in the venture outside the main city area of Pompeii. It is an ancient Roman villa on the outskirts of Pompeii exhibits the series of exquisite frescos in room 5 which always presents the bribe into a Greeco Roman mystery story. Villa also known as ‘Villa of the Mysteries’ is a series of frescoes dating back to the 1 century. This beautifully preserved villa offers incredible frescoes depicting mysterious rituals, providing a unique insight into ancient Roman religious practices.
Pompeii Bodies
Take a certain glimpse about the bodies of Pompeii which are buried during the volcanic eruptions. Yes, it happened during 79 AD, the city was tragically destroyed and buried under volcanic ash and pumice when Mount Vesuvius erupted. Such a massive and dangerous volcano eruption is completely devastating the entire city and its human habitant’s.
During the excavation researchers found that thousands of people were caught by surprise during the eruption, and many lost their lives. Severity of the eruptions and its ash and debris covered the entire city, creating a protective layer that preserved many aspects of Pompeii remarkably well, including the bodies of some of its residents.
When the city was rediscovered centuries later by archaeologists, they found a number of decomposed bodies in the solidified ash. Which are in the strange positions of arms and legs and contractions of limbs. Due to the effectiveness of buried body archaeologists found that it is important to maintain bodies and they developed a unique technique. They poured plaster into these cavities, which resulted in detailed and lifelike casts of the victims, delicate voids and the integrity of the remains.
The plaster casts have provided valuable insights into the final moments of the people of Pompeii. They offer a haunting glimpse into the panic and devastation caused by the volcanic eruption. The casts portray the victims frozen in various positions, reflecting the agony and terror they experienced before perishing.
These human buried body casts have made perfect things for researchers to learn more about the lives, clothing, and even the facial expressions of the victims. These studies have shown us ancient social structures, professions, and overall demographics of the people who lived in Pompeii before the catastrophe.
In present days these bodies of Pompeii show us as an impressive reminder of the city’s very unfortunate tragic fate and offer a short glimpse into the human aspect and things due to such a historical disaster. They serve as a sombre memorial, reminding us of the power and unpredictability of nature.
Ticket Prices in Pompeii, Italy
Current ticket price will be around $20 for adults. $2.18 offering reduced tickets for EU citizens between the ages of 18-25 years age. Tickets will be given to you in the entry of Pompeii and Villa Regina. You can expect free tickets to access on the first Sunday of the month.
Overall, Pompeii was such a magnificent ancient Roman city that collapsed due to a tragic end with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. These archaeological excavations of Pompeii have given some of the crucial historical insights into the daily life and culture of ancient Rome, and understand their way of life during that period. Never doubt that Pompeii will make you one of the worth visiting sites for historical and archaeological researchers. Apart from that it is listed in the 8th new wonders of the world before finally being selected for the Angkor Wat temple.
Q: Why is Pompeii called Sin City?
A: Pompeii is an ancient city which is always associated with the god of Venus, also called as deity of sex, power games, desires and victory.
