The two towns Herculaneum and Pompeii together with some other small towns and villages that were located south of Italy were covered in 24 hrs by disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The catastrophe terminated the life in the cities but preserved them and they were later rediscovered approximately 1,700 years later. Arguably, these were ordinary roman cities that ended in an extraordinary way and therefore they have become a reflection through which historian can view and understand the entire roman civilization.
According to Capasso and Gabriella (996), the history of Rome together with its empires covers thousands years. Capasso and Gabriella (996), indicates that from obscure, mythical early development Rome had ruled the entire ancient world. Arguably Rome’s political power and cultural influence went beyond it defined borders and were reliably supported by the manner in which Roman society was organized and its munificent treatment of its ally. At around A.D 79 Pompeii was a flourishing provincial center that had a population of around 10,000 and 20,000 people. In keeping with Capasso and Gabriella (997), Pompeii had narrow streets that were made even narrower by shops that hand protruding cloth awnings that were teemed with tavern goers, vacationers, slaves and a few prostitutes. Pompeii suburbs and fertile soil that supported wealthy farmers this was supported by exquisite silver goblet that were decorated with olives in high relief. Capasso and Gabriella (998), argues that Pompeian wine was shipped to every part of Italy.
A lot about Pompeii has been revealed compared to Herculaneum (Shane et al 2188). Notably, the main forum has been flanked by foundations of several daunting public structures like the Capitolium, Basilica. According to Capasso and Gabriella (998), the superior of all Greek origins in Pompeii were remodeled to ensemble Roman taste. Other prominent communal facilities revealed were the well preserved Stabian Baths that had began in the second century BC. Notably, Pompeii has been renowned for domestic settlement that was placed along streets.
The initially known building is atrium house that was inward-looking and had a patio at its middle. Capasso and Gabriella (998), indicates that such type of houses were large and beautified with arcades and columns they were also equipped with expansive rooms that were used for social functions. Arguably, these types of Roman house were renown everywhere within Roman Empire. Capasso and Gabriella (998), notes that most outstanding of all structures in Pompeii was the Villa de Misteri which was an enormous establishment located just exterior of the walls. It was developed from an obtrusive town house of third century BC and took its name from work of art and triclinic that depicts inscrutability of the cult Dionysus. A unique characteristic of Pompeii according to Capasso and Gabriella (998) is its abundance of graffiti on the walls. Noticeably, an voting was forthcoming during the period of catastrophe and there were quite a few slogans founds scrawled on the wall.
Not much of Herculaneum that was located on a cape that adjoining the Bay of Naples. Nonetheless, volcanic enveloping was such that its ancient buildings were better preserved compared to those of Pompeii. In reference to Capasso and Capasso (1830), organic materials like the wood continue to exist in situ as well upstairs several buildings and are intact. Capasso and Capasso (1830) further notes that several public buildings were preserved i.e. roomy palaestra leading to a mammoth gateway, public baths, and Augustus College of priest. Herculaneum’s buildings are outstanding for their expansiveness and decoration. Other houses that front the sea like the repute House of Deer had expansive court yard and were rich with decorations. Of the great importance the two towns were rich in artistic styles that were represented by sculptures, mosaic and most of all their wall paintings that elaborates more of their activities and the culture of the inhabitants of the towns.
Work Cited
Capasso L & Capasso L. Mortality in Herculaneum before volcanic eruption in 79 AD. The Lancet, Volume 354, Issue 9192, 20 November 1999, Page 1826
Capasso L & Gabriella Di Tota. Lice buried under the ashes of Herculaneum. The Lancet, Volume 351, Issue 9107, 28 March 1998, Page 992
Shane J. Cronin, Karoly Nemeth, Vincent E. Neall. Volcanism and Archaeology. Encyclopedia of Archaeology, 2008, Pages 2185-2196
