Although it was smaller than Pompeii, Herculaneum was a wealthier town. It was a popular seaside retreat for the Roman elite, which is reflected in the extraordinary density of grand and luxurious houses with, for example, far more lavish use of coloured marble cladding.

The thick layer of ash that blanketed the town also protected it against looting and the elements. Unlike Pompeii, the mainly pyroclastic material that covered Herculaneum carbonized and preserved more wood in objects such as roofs, beds, and doors, as well as other organic-based materials such as food and papyrus.

circa 600 BCE - 79 CE

Ancient Herculaneum, situated on the coast of the Bay of Naples in modern-day Ercolano, Italy, boasts a rich history dating back to the sixth century BCE. Initially founded by the Oscans, an Italic tribe, the town later fell under the influence of the Etruscans and Greeks, which significantly shaped its cultural and architectural development. As a smaller and wealthier counterpart to Pompeii, Herculaneum was noted for its luxurious villas and public buildings, a testament to the prosperity brought by its strategic coastal location.

In 89 BCE, Herculaneum was integrated into the Roman Empire as a municipium, marking the beginning of a period of significant Roman influence and affluence. The town became a popular retreat for wealthy Romans who were drawn to its scenic coastal views and temperate climate. Herculaneum's infrastructure flourished during this time, featuring sophisticated houses adorned with elaborate frescoes and mosaics, advanced public baths, and an impressive network of streets and sewage systems.

The town's prosperous existence came to a sudden halt on August 24, 79 CE, when Mount Vesuvius erupted catastrophically. Unlike Pompeii, which was buried in ash and pumice, Herculaneum was engulfed by a torrent of pyroclastic flows. This volcanic material preserved buildings, organic materials, and even the contents of houses to an extraordinary degree, providing a unique snapshot of Roman life. Rediscovered in the early 18th century, ongoing excavations have since revealed a wealth of artifacts and well-preserved structures, offering invaluable insights into the daily lives of its ancient inhabitants.

circa 65 CE

Sacred Area
The Sacred Area (Area Sacra) of Herculaneum is a rectangular plaza situated west of Balbus Terrace. It is a large terrace with buildings for worship, which were the shrine of Venus, and the shrine of the four gods was built. The square was built over vaulted boat houses or docks, on the ancient shore of the Gulf of Naples. At the western end there are two chapels, one dedicated to the goddess Venus and second dedicated to the four gods Vulcan, Neptune, Mercury and Minerva.

This area bordered a steep drop to the sea on the southern edge of the town, where a terrace housed two shrines and a series of rooms dedicated to cult activities, all facing a long garden. Excavations from 1939 to 1958 CE uncovered fragments of two large marble fountain basins in this area. At the garden's southern end, a parapet featured a podium that may have served as a garden seat. The interior walls of a shrine were adorned with garden paintings, with surviving fragments providing a glimpse of the original appearance. The best-preserved section is the lower part of the panel to the left of the southern entrance.

The base of the wall was painted with hart’s-tongue ferns, each separated by a trellis that mirrored the woven fence above, likely surrounding the entire room. Behind the fence, a garden extended, and on the south wall, a marble basin with three legs was decorated with three doves perched on the rim. The east wall seemed to feature a crater-shaped fountain, while the north wall above the large podium altar had three panels, each containing a garden painting. The side panels prominently displayed a young palm tree, but the center panel was too damaged to identify its content.

circa

Residential Buildings
The houses and villas in ancient Herculaneum, preserved under layers of volcanic material from the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, provide a unique snapshot of Roman domestic architecture, complete with intricate designs and advanced engineering.

SinceHerculaneum was a prosperous town that drew affluent Romans who built luxurious homes reflecting their wealth and social status. The houses and villas in Herculaneum were characterized by their use of atriums and peristyles, which created airy, open spaces within the homes. The interiors were adorned with vibrant frescoes and intricate mosaics, depicting mythological scenes, landscapes, and daily activities that reveal the artistic tastes and cultural influences of the period. Many of these homes featured advanced infrastructure, including sophisticated water systems, private baths, and heated floors, highlighting the importance of comfort and hygiene in Roman society. The preservation of these residential buildings allows us to explore the blend of functional design and aesthetic beauty that defined the domestic architecture of ancient Herculaneum, offering invaluable insights into the daily lives and artistic achievements of its residents.

circa

Infrastructure
The infrastructure () ancient Roman period Herculaneum, just like the nearby Pompeii, was remarkably advanced, reflecting the ingenuity and engineering prowess of the Roman Empire. The town's infrastructure included sophisticated water works, fountains, roads, gates, and tunnels, all designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Herculaneum had a well-developed water supply system that included aqueducts, lead pipes, and cisterns. Aqueducts brought fresh water from nearby sources, which was then distributed throughout the town via a network of lead pipes. Many houses had indoor plumbing, providing running water for domestic use. Public and private fountains were common in Herculaneum. These fountains were often elaborately decorated and served both practical and aesthetic purposes. They provided a source of fresh water for drinking and bathing and were focal points of public and private spaces, adding to the town's beauty.

Herculaneum's streets were carefully planned and well-maintained. The roads were paved with large stone slabs and featured raised sidewalks to keep pedestrians above street level. This infrastructure facilitated efficient movement throughout the town and helped manage rainwater runoff. The town was protected by defensive walls with several gates providing access. These gates controlled entry and exit, enhancing security while also serving as checkpoints for trade and travel.

Tunnels were used for various purposes, including transportation and drainage. Some tunnels connected different parts of the town, allowing for the discreet movement of goods and people.

circa

Public Buildings
The public structures in ancient Herculaneum often included walls and gates, water towers and fountains, law courts and markets or shops, public bathes and toilets, theatres, the amphitheatre, exercise grounds and in some cases the temples (Bradley 2013). Although the ancient Roman town of Herculaneum has not been fully excavated, the existence of public buildings provides a deep insight in to the lifestyle and everyday life of a citizens of Pompeii and Herculaneum before the eruption of 79 CE.

The main and the most important of the Herculaneum's public building, the Roman forum, is yet to be excavated. It was located at the end of the main street deccumanus maximus.

circa

Commercial Establishments
The main industry in ancient Herculaneum industries in ancient Herculaneum included grape (wine), olive (oil), wool (textiles), grains (bread), and tabernae. These establishments catered to the daily needs of residents and visitors alike. Some common types of commercial establishments in ancient Herculaneum were thermopolia, fullonicae, tavernae, and bakeries. These commercial establishments were integral to the economic and social life of Herculaneum, providing goods and services essential for daily living, trade, and cultural exchange. They also contribute to our understanding of Roman urban planning and commerce in antiquity.