Down the coast from Naples, we arrived at the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. A thriving port during the Roman Repulic, the city was buried beneath more than twenty feet of ash and volcanic rock until it was discovered in the 18th century. Today, it continues to be an active archaeological site.
Below is the original port gate that provided entrance to the city from the Tyrrhenian Sea. The volcanic eruption moved the coast of the sea more than 2 km farther from the city.
Mount Vesuvius (below) erupted in 79 AD, killing thousands of people inside Pompeii as the wind sent the cloud of ash and sulfer directly over the city. When the sky had cleared enough for survivors to return to the city, it had been completely buried. Over time, the city was mostly forgotten.
The two photos below are of the Forum. The first photo faces the Temple of Jupiter with triumphal arches on either side of the raised temple.
The Forum was the center to social, political, and economic life. The remaining columns were part of the covered arcade where orators spoke to the people. The Forum was surrounded by temples, law courts, and an open marketplace.
The room below was inside of the home of a wealthy citizen. The walls are covered with fresco paintings that depict the gods as a form of worship and prayers for protection of their family and their wealth.
This is the large theater found within the city walls. Open seating for the public filled most of the theater while those of great wealth and importance sat in the areas on either end of the horse shoe shaped structure. The theater hosted plays, concerts, and gladiator battles.
Me sitting in the theater!!
Oir final view of Mount Versuvius on our way out of the port of Naples.
No comments:
Post a Comment