Origin of Pompeii
Pompeii, an ancient Roman city in southern Italy, thrived for many years until it was covered by ash from a volcano in 79 AD. Now, Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showing us what life was like in ancient Rome.
Pompeii was built on a spur formed by a prehistoric lava flow to the north of the mouth of the Sarnus River. This spot was strategic and fertile, perfect for settling and farming. The city's location near the Bay of Naples made it easy to access maritime trade routes, boosting its importance.
The area was first settled by the Oscan-speaking descendants of the Neolithic people of Campania. These early settlers chose the location near the mouth of the Sarnus River for easy access to trade routes and fertile lands.
In the 8th century BCE, Greeks from across the bay settled in the region, bringing with them their culture and influence. The Greek presence was significant but was soon challenged by the Etruscans in the 7th century. The Etruscans dominated the area until 474 BCE when King Hieron I of Syracuse defeated them in a naval battle off Cumae. After this defeat, Greek influence resurfaced for a time.
Toward the end of the 5th century BCE, the Samnites, an Italic tribe, conquered Campania, including Pompeii. The Samnites left a lasting mark on the region, and Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Stabiae became Samnite towns. Pompeii was first mentioned in historical records in 310 BCE during the Second Samnite War. At that time, a Roman fleet used the Sarnus port of Pompeii as a base for an attack on Nuceria.
Their failed attack on Nuceria marked the start of a long, relationship between Pompeii and Rome. After the Samnite wars, Campania joined the Roman empire, making Pompeii and other cities "allies" of Rome. But Rome didn't fully control Pompeii and its culture until later, during the Social War (91-88 BCE).
Later, Pompeii rebelled along with other Italian cities against Rome. In 89 BCE, it was besieged by the Roman general Sulla. After the war, Pompeii, along with the rest of Italy south of the Po River, received Roman citizenship.
As punishment for Pompeii's role in the war, Roman retired soldiers were settled there under Publius Sulla. Latin became the official language, replacing Oscan, and Pompeii started resembling Rome. People began speaking Latin instead of Oscan, and Roman-style buildings and customs became the norm.
Pompeii Under Roman Rule
Pompeii's destiny took a dramatic turn when it became a Roman colony under Sulla in the 1st century BCE. This direct link to Rome opened doors to the Roman political sphere and fuelled the city's growth.
Under Roman rule, Pompeii blossomed into a bustling centre of commerce and culture. Its fertile land and nearness to the coast made it ideal for farming and trade. Pompeii also became a famous vacation spot, drawing wealthy Romans who built luxurious villas and estates.
The city featured impressive public buildings like the forum and amphitheatre, showing its growing importance and Roman influence. Grand temples to Roman gods and lavish houses with beautiful wall paintings confirmed Pompeii's status as a thriving Roman colony.
The Roman rule also brought international trade to Pompeii. Rome's military victories abroad created new trade routes, which brought in slaves, treasures, and exotic goods. This included new species of plants, some of which adapted to the local climate. For example, Pliny the Elder tells us that the peach tree and lemon reached Italy around 40 BC.
By the time the volcano erupted in 79 AD, peaches had fully adapted, as shown by peach stones and wood found by researchers. Overall, Pompeii's evolution under Roman rule was remarkable.
Size & Extent of Pompeii
The size of Pompeii was almost 163 acres (64-66 hectares). The city was enclosed by walls with several gates for access. The layout followed a grid-like pattern, with streets intersecting at right angles. Main streets had shops and businesses, while residential areas had big villas and modest houses.
The forum was the political, religious, and social center of Pompeii. It hosted gatherings, markets, and public events. Huge villas, such as the House of the Faun, the Villa of the Mysteries, house of Vetti show the wealth and luxury of the city's elite.
Pompeii's city ruins show an organized urban environment, reflecting the advanced engineering and building skills of the Romans. Preserved buildings, streets, and artifacts help us understand how people in Pompeii lived and their social and cultural practices.
Daily Life at Pompeii
Pompeii's population ranged between 10,000 and 20,000 residents at the time of its destruction. The well-preserved ruins of Pompeii give us a glimpse into everyday life during the Roman era. They reveal a bustling city with a highly developed society and well-organized infrastructure.
Everyday life in Pompeii was lively and diverse. The city had markets, baths, bakeries, and shops where people worked different jobs, from craftsmen to farmers. The economy thrived on agriculture, trade, and tourism.
The fertile volcanic soil produced grapes, olives, and wheat, exported across the Roman Empire. The city's port promotes trade, with goods such as wine, olive oil, and fish passing through its harbor.
Merchants conducted business in bustling marketplaces, while artisans practiced their crafts in workshops. Middle-class citizens and laborers frequented snack bars for quick street bites. Wine bars were popular spots for relaxation and conversation.
Pompeii's social structure was hierarchical, with wealthy elites at the top and slaves performing most of the manual labor. However, all classes, including slaves, could aspire to become a rich person. Most trades were open to both sexes, although some, like politics, were exclusive to men. Merchants and shopkeepers could be rich or poor, and even foreigners could live in Pompeii and acquire estates.
The city also offered a variety of enjoyment options, including theaters, and chariot races. Also, the city has fast-food restaurants and bars catering to both visitors and locals. Prostitution was socially and legally permitted, with brothels being a common sight.
Pompeii's preserved buildings, streets, public baths, and artifacts offer a glimpse into the daily lives of its people.
Final Days
A strong earthquake damaged Pompeii in 62 AD. The city was still being repaired when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, burying it in ash and pumice. This preserved the city remarkably well, offering a unique window into ancient Roman life.