Like a busy regular day, the people of Pompeii were busy with their daily activities. And a sudden blast at midday destroys a whole city and civilization in the blink of an eye.
So, then again, why is Pompeii referred to as the lost city?
Well, it’s because it was buried under volcanic ash and pumice after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This sudden burial preserved the city remarkably well, freezing it in time and leaving it hidden for nearly 1,700 years before its rediscovery in the 18th century.
All this may sound filmy to you, but this is the bitter truth about Pompeii, the once-thriving Roman city that disappeared beneath a blanket of volcanic ash.
Want to know more? Keep reading!
The “Lost” Status of Pompeii
Once, a rich and happening colony located just 30 minutes from Naples city center, Pompeii is an ancient Roman city in southern Italy.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a bustling city but was buried by Mount Vesuvius’s eruption on 24th August, 79 AD. Before the eruption, this area faced an earthquake but people ignored the signs of nature.
Though it was a natural disaster, you will be introduced to some myths and legends about the sudden demise of Pompeii.
One common myth suggests that Pompeii’s destruction was a punishment from the gods, particularly the Roman god of fire and volcanoes, Vulcan.
And the assumption behind the divine punishment was the city’s affluent lifestyle as well as its moral decline.
Life and Luxury in Pompeii Before the Eruption
In ancient times, the wealthy elite people lived in grand villas with stunning frescoes, while common people resided in simpler houses. Not only that, the Forum was the economic heart, hosting markets and shops for their livelihood.
Religious rituals at grand temples added a spiritual dimension to their daily routines. And most importantly, they spend their time at public baths and go to the amphitheater to enjoy the gladiator fights.
Even the city had paved streets, an advanced aqueduct system, public fountains, and a sophisticated sewage system. The preservation of Pompeii under volcanic ash has given archaeologists a unique window into the day-to-day life of a rich Roman city.
Vivid frescoes beautify the walls with tales of gods, goddesses, and their everyday lives. Meanwhile, the intricate mosaics on the floors are like puzzles and you’ll get a glimpse into the diverse and dynamic lives of Pompeii’s inhabitants.
The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. was one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in European history. This eruption was disastrous to the Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, and Stabiae.
Despite various warning signs, such as mild earthquakes and ground shaking, the inhabitants of Pompeii ignored the power of nature as an indicator of a volcanic explosion.
The eruption of Vesuvius began at midday when the Pompeiiams were busy with their daily chores on August 24th. The city’s sky was turned completely black with a massive column of up to 20 miles of volcanic ash, pumice, and toxic gases.
You will be shocked to know that, the eruption continued for approximately 18 to 20 hours. Now comes the most heartbreaking news of all time: an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 residents who lived during that time were buried under a 6-meter blanket of ash and pumice.
The neighborhood cities like Herculaneum, Oplontis, and Stabiae had similar fates to Pompeii. These cities were buried under ash and pumice, with significant loss of life, and suffered destruction and casualties.
Related Post: Planning a Day Trip from Rome to Pompeii and Herculaneum
Rediscovery and Excavation
This ancient town was accidentally discovered in the late 16th century by the architect Domenico Fontana. While he was working on a canal project, they noticed the inscriptions and architectural components.
However, because of a lack of knowledge or interest in archaeology as a scientific study, Fontana and his workmen decided to focus on the aqueduct project until 1599.
Moving on, the city was again rediscovered in 1748. At that time, royal officials and treasure seekers were more focused on finding gold and other valuables than on the city’s ancient history and structure.
Also, in the mid-19th century, Italian archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli improved the excavation process at Pompeii. He then introduced systematic excavation, created a detailed map of the city, and divided it into nine regions for careful documentation and preservation.
Preservation of Pompeii
The preservation of Pompeii is a marvel, with the city frozen in time under volcanic ash for centuries, offering a unique glimpse into Roman life.
Also, efforts to preserve this ancient site began in the 18th century and have evolved, utilizing modern technology like laser scanning and 3D modeling to restore and maintain Pompeii’s treasures.
After all, this ancient city was a vibrant hub of art and culture, featuring exquisite frescoes, intricate mosaics, and stunning sculptures that adorned public buildings and private homes.
Plus, these artworks provide insight into the values, beliefs, and daily lives of Pompeii’s inhabitants, while the city’s theaters, amphitheaters, and public baths reflect a society that values entertainment and socialization.
Pompeii’s Cultural Significance and Modern-Day Attraction
Pompeii’s story is a blend of tragedy and marvel. Once a thriving city, it was suddenly silenced by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
For centuries, it lay hidden beneath a thick blanket of ash and pumice, earning it the title of the “Lost City.” Its rediscovery in the 18th century sparked global fascination, revealing a perfectly preserved snapshot of ancient Roman life.
Today, Pompeii stands as one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year. Tourists marvel at its ancient ruins, explore its eerily intact homes, and walk the same streets that Romans once did.
This unique preservation offers a great opportunity to connect with the past, making Pompeii not just a historical site but a poignant reminder of nature’s power and the resilience of human culture.
What Is the Biggest Problem Facing Pompeii Today?
In this modern era, tourism has a significant impact on the preservation of Pompeii. On one hand, it provides crucial financial resources for maintenance, but on the other, it poses significant threats to the integrity of the ancient sites.
Such as the following:
- Many of Pompeii’s buildings are structurally unstable due to age and previous damage.
- The vibration from large crowds of tourists also actively contributes to the deterioration of the site’s fragile structures.
- Exposure to the elements, such as rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations, causes significant erosion of the ancient structures and frescoes – accelerating the deterioration of the site.
- Also, pollution from nearby areas and trash by tourists also contribute to the site’s erosion.
Closing Notes
That’s all regarding why is Pompeii referred to as the lost city!
Buried for centuries beneath volcanic ash, it remained hidden from the world, a ghostly relic of a bygone era. Today, Pompeii stands as a testament to the power of nature and the resilience of history, inviting us to explore and learn from its streets, homes, and temples.
And as we walk through its ruins, we’re not just witnessing a city that was lost, but one that has been remarkably found, allowing us to connect with the lives of those who lived there over two thousand years ago.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did Pompeii victims turn to stone?
Pompeii victims didn’t turn to stone. Over time, their bodies decomposed within the hardened volcanic ash, leaving cavities in the empty spaces. Modern archaeologists filled these spaces with plaster to create detailed molds of the victims.
Will Pompeii erupt again?
Yes, the volcano that buried Pompeii is still active and is expected to erupt again. That’s why scientists continuously monitor the volcano for signs of activity to provide early warnings and mitigate potential risks.
Is there another city under Pompeii?
No, there isn’t another city under Pompeii itself. However, nearby areas like Herculaneum and Stabiae were also buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
What famous person died at Pompeii?
The most famous person believed to have died at Pompeii is Pliny the Elder. He was a Roman author and naturalist who perished while attempting to rescue people and observe the eruption.
Is the movie Pompeii historically accurate?
The movie “Pompeii” (2014) is not entirely historically accurate. While it captures the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Whereas, many aspects of the storyline, characters, and events are fictionalized for dramatic effect.
