Step back in time and explore the captivating world of Pompeii with these jaw-dropping facts! From frozen snapshots of a daily life to unexpected discoveries buried beneath layers of ash, Pompeii holds a treasure trove of secrets waiting to be uncovered.
 |
| seepompeii.com |
1. Pompeii had a population of 8,000-12,000 people and covered about 0.68 sq.km.
 |
| www.historyextra.com |
Vesuvius erupted on August 24, AD 79 ("Anno Domini", Latin for "in the year of the Lord"), causing catastrophic damage to Pompeii and its inhabitants. Before the volcano erupted, it gave signs of the impending event with a series of earthquakes alerting the citizens of Pompeii and Herculaneum what was to come.
2. It is estimated that 2000 people died from the eruption.
 |
| Painted in the mid-1800's by Karl Brullov called "The Last Day of Pompeii", this painting depicts an artistic imagining of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius on August 24, 79 A.D. - PAINTING BY KARL BRULLOV, THE ARTCHIVES, ALAMY STOCK PHOTO |
It is believed that most people survived the pyroclastic clouds, possibly due to the early signs of the eruption.
3. Around 150 bars were found in Pompeii.
 |
| Photograph: Pompeii archaelogical park |
Located mostly on the main streets, many near the city's gates, these bars were primarily used by the poor, who did not have their own kitchens at home.
4. After their workouts, individuals of Pompeii would cleanse themselves by having oils and perspiration scraped away from their bodies.
 |
| www.planetpompeii.com |
This process typically involved the use of a curved bronze strigil, a tool designed for this purpose. Wealthier citizens often enlisted the help of slaves in a designated scraping chamber called the destrictarium. Conversely, those less affluent, lacking personal attendants, would alternate in scraping each other.
5. Pompeii was buried under 4-6 meters of volcanic ash.
 |
| Getty Images |
When Vesuvius erupted, it released an incredible amount of ash, burying the whole city. This sudden burial preserved Pompeii remarkably well, freezing it in time.
6. There are bodies preserved in ash.
 |
| www.catholicweekly.com.au |
The ash that covered Pompeii preserved not only buildings but also the shapes of people who died during the eruption. Cavities left in the ash by decomposed bodies were filled with plaster in the 19th century, revealing hauntingly detailed casts of the victims.
7. It was found by accident.
 |
| Portrait of Roque Joaquin de Alcubierre |
The city was (re)discovered in 1748 by Spanish engineer Roque Joaquin de Alcubierre. He was actually digging a water channel when his workers stumbled upon the remains of Pompeii.
8. Graffiti were popular back then as well.
 |
| source: medium.com |
Pompeii has provided historians with a treasure trove of ancient graffiti, offering glimpses into the daily lives, political sentiments, and social interactions of its inhabitants.
9. Pompeii had a rich culture.
 |
| Corbis - Getty |
The city was home to a diverse population, including Romans, Greeks, Egyptians and Jews. This cultural diversity is reflected un the architecture, artwork and religious artefacts found in Pompeii.
10. People were very artistic.
 |
| - A fresco depicting Apollo and Cassandra. source: www.nbcnews.com |
Pompeii is famous for its erotic art, including explicit frescoes, sculptures and graffiti. While some of these artworks were found in private residences, others were displayed openly in public spaces.
Thank you for reading! If you found this article interesting and educational, you can check out our website for more!
0 Comments