Nov. 16, 2021
Pompeii!
In AD 79, Mt Vesuvius unexpectedly erupted and stopped this city of 20,000 in its tracks. Approximately 2000 people (10% of the city's population) was instantly killed and the entire city was buried under hot ash and lava. When it was eventually uncovered, it was almost completely in tact giving archaeologists and all of us a pretty amazing and accurate view of what Roman life was like 2000 years ago.
The main public square.
The theatre. This is where concerts and other forms of non-violent entertainment would be held.
But when they were in the mood for some gore, they'd head over here to see gladiators fight to the death.
It was sobering to see figures like this - seeing the positions they were in as they were trapped and killed by the spewings of Mt. Vesuvius.
You can still see the ridges in the "road" from the carriages.
Some of the many pots, jugs and artifacts that were unearthed.
Pompeii's streets were washed with running water on a regular basis. These stepping stones were put into place so that pedestrians could still cross the streets even with gushing water coming down. They are separated so that carriages could still pass through. We know from the spacing of the stones that carriages had standard axels. This was a 2- way street or "main thoroughfare."
While many people go to the more famous Pompeii, it's absolutely worth it to go to the nearby, smaller Herculaneum as well. It is remarkably intact, not as crowded and very well preserved.
And the remains of those trying to escape to their boats on that fateful day are still there.
VERDICT: Yes!! This was all amazing. I'd read about it in history books, but to see it all with my own eyes in person was so much more meaningful.
Cost: Pompeii: 19 euros. It will cost more if you want an audio guide (35 euros) or guided tour (44 euros). We just paid the 19 euros and listened to Rick Steve's podcast, which was very helpful. Herculaneum is 16.5 euros for adults. Children 17 and under are free.
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