Historical and geographical background
Pompeii was a splendid city situated in the area of contemporary Italy with population of about 20,000 people. It was built with the wall which surrounded the city by 6th Cenotury B. C. (Connoli 11). The sceneries of the city were amazing, because notwithstanding it was situated in the distance of nearly 2 km from sea, it was considered with the marvelous mount of Vesuvius (Life in Pompeii).
Historical Evaluation
- Pompeii are thought to be founded by the ancient Etruscans and heirs of Aeneas (Jashemski and Meyer 58).
- City occupied very convenient place for navigation. Near was the mouth of the Sarno River (Connoli 14).
- It was situated next to another ancient city of Herculaneum.
- Inhabitants of both cities adored gorgeous Vesuvius.
- It consisted of several parts, as walls, houses, forum, places for entertainment.
- In fact, it was a Rome-like city, because Pompeii was all-sufficient in everything needed at the time.
The rise of population even caused the spread of the city borders outside the walls (Life in Pompeii para. 2).
People and Entertainments
- People of Pompeii were very concerned about their city and its significance for them.
- There were several riots of Pompeian people against, first, Greeks, then Romans.
- Taking into account the interests of population in working, one should not forget about outstanding theatrical and circus culture in Pompeii.
- Baths, exercise grounds, palaestra, swimming pools, amphitheatres, theatres, forums, law courts, banks, market places and much more were apparent in Pompeii(Life in Pompeii para. 2).
Inside Description
- The architecture of Pompeii was executed in antique style with different needful appliances, such as water ways for indoor use.
- Moreover, the houses of wealthiest citizens still amaze viewers with their magnificence and addiction to highly patterned culture of antique people.
- Pompeii was characterized as the city of contrasts.
- Having an area of more than 7 hectares it comprised places and architectural structures for versatile use.
- People of Pompeii were really lovers of liberty.
Nature of Pompeii
- It was situated near the Bay of Naples.
- A subtropical Mediterranean climate influenced diversity of species in the area.
- Flora and Fauna promoted different kinds of trees, plants, animals.
- Nature of Pompeii also made it unique among Roman cities.
Landscape
- Landscape of Pompeii was flat.
- Vesuvius was the only brow in the region.
- It was the most adorable wonder of the nature for Pompeian people.
- A divine design of the mount Vesuvius was being shared among citizens comparing it with the mount Olympus.
- They could hardly know that it was a volcano.
August 24, 79 A.D.
One night was quite silent for Pompeian people.
They had already finished their ordinary deeds and were ready to continue cycle of life…
Suddenly Vesuvius began roaring.
People were doomed to be petrified in earth of Pompeii.
City was first unearthed in 1600 (Connoli 17).
References
Connolly, Peter. Pompeii. Ed. 5. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1990.
Jashemski, Wilhelmina Mary Feemster and Meyer Frederick Gustav. The natural history of Pompeii. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002.
Life in Pompeii. Web.
Pompeii. Complex of pictures. Web.