Largely preserved under the ash, the excavated city offered a unique snapshot of Roman life, frozen at the moment it was buried, and an extraordinarily detailed insight into the everyday life of its inhabitants, although much of the evidence was lost in the early excavations.

circa 500 BCE - 79 CE

Early Settlement and Growth
Pompeii, located near the modern city of Naples in Italy, was originally founded in the seventh or sixth century BCE by the Osci (Oscans), an ancient Italian people. The settlement grew significantly under Greek and Etruscan influence, becoming an important port and trading center.

Roman Influence
By the fourth century BCE, Pompeii came under the influence of the Samnites, another Italic tribe. In 80 BCE, it was incorporated into the Roman Republic as a colony following the Social War, during which Rome quelled a rebellion of its Italian allies. Pompeii's integration into the Roman state led to a period of prosperity, marked by extensive building projects including temples, theaters, baths, and villas.

Prosperity and Daily Life During Roman Period
In the first century CE, Pompeii was a thriving city with a population of about 11,000 to 15,000 people. The city was known for its advanced infrastructure, including a complex water system, amphitheaters, and luxurious houses decorated with frescoes and mosaics. The economy was diverse, encompassing agriculture, trade, and manufacturing.

Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
On August 24, 79 CE (generally accpted date of Vesuvian eruption), Mount Vesuvius erupted catastrophically, burying Pompeii under a thick layer of volcanic ash and pumice. The eruption preserved the city in a snapshot of Roman life, capturing buildings, artifacts, and even the remains of the inhabitants in remarkable detail. The disaster also affected nearby towns like Herculaneum, Stabiae and Oplontis.

Rediscovery and Excavation
Pompeii remained buried for over 1,500 years until its accidental rediscovery in 1599 CE by architect Domenico Fontana. Systematic excavations began in 1748 CE under the direction of Spanish engineer Rocque Joaquin de Alcubierre. Archaeologists have since uncovered a significant portion of the city, providing invaluable insights into Roman urban life.

Modern Significance
Today, Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations. The extensive ruins offer a unique window into ancient Roman civilization, with well-preserved streets, buildings, and artifacts that continue to fascinate scholars and visitors alike.

circa 500 BCE - 79 CE

Religious and Cultic Buildings
A number of religious and cultic buildings and temples existed in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. Throughout human history, a consistent pattern emerges wherein religious practices, including those in Pompeii, exhibit a blend of both public and private devotion alongside elements of superstition. These practices often involve intricate symbolism, sometimes reaching absurd levels, with the purpose of warding off misfortune or the evil eye. Pompeii, like many Roman cities, was a religiously diverse community where multiple gods and goddesses were worshipped.

The primary deities included Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, forming the Capitoline Triad. Other important gods included Venus, the city's patron goddess, Apollo, Mercury, and Bacchus, reflecting both traditional Roman and local Italic religious practices. The ancient cults practiced by local inhabitants, originally tied to nature and fertility rituals, eventually transitioned to the veneration of Hercules, Bacchus, and Venus, who became the favored deities of Pompeii. In the context of Pompeii, Venus held a significant role as the creator of the universe, responsible for the dispensation of life and death. Referred to as the Venus of Pompeii (Venus Pompeiana), she also embodied the concepts of mother nature (Venus Physica) and the goddess of fertility and abundance.

In addition to public temples, Pompeians practiced religion within their homes. Many houses contained lararia, small shrines dedicated to household gods (Lares and Penates). These shrines were central to daily domestic worship, where families offered prayers and sacrifices to protect the home and ensure prosperity.

Pompeii was home to various mystery cults and foreign religious practices. The cult of Isis, an Egyptian goddess, had a significant following, as evidenced by the well-preserved Temple of Isis. This cult offered initiates secret knowledge and promises of personal salvation, contrasting with the more public nature of traditional Roman religion.

circa 10 CE

Public Buildings
The ancient city of Pompeii boasted a large number of public buildings that played crucial roles in the daily lives of its inhabitants. These structures were the backbone of civic life in ancient Pompeii, a bustling urban center, providing spaces for administration, commerce, entertainment, and social interaction. The archaeological remains of these buildings offer a fascinating glimpse into the sophisticated urban planning and vibrant public life of this ancient city.

These buildings included the Roman Forum that was the political, economic, and social heart of Pompeii. This large open space was surrounded by essential public buildings and was the venue for public speeches, elections, and social gatherings. It was the central hub where citizens met to discuss politics, conduct business, and engage in community activities. Situated at the southwest corner of the Forum, the Basilica was the primary location for legal proceedings and business transactions. This grand structure featured a long central hall flanked by colonnades, where magistrates presided over legal cases and merchants negotiated deals. The Basilica's design reflected its dual purpose as both a courthouse and a marketplace. Pompeii's municipal buildings were crucial for the administration of the city. The Comitium was the assembly place for political meetings and voting, while the Curia housed the city council's meetings. These buildings were vital for the governance and organization of public affairs, ensuring that the city's administrative functions were efficiently managed. Public baths were a significant aspect of social life in Pompeii, serving not only as places for bathing but also as centers for relaxation and socialization. The city had several bath complexes, including the Stabian Baths, Forum Baths, and Central Baths. These facilities featured a series of heated rooms, cold plunges, and exercise areas, illustrating the importance of hygiene and leisure in Roman culture.

The public buildings of Pompeii paint a vivid picture of a well-organized and vibrant urban environment. From the bustling Forum, where citizens congregated for political, economic, and social activities, to the judicial proceedings in the Basilica and the lively markets of the Macellum, each structure had a vital role in the community's daily functioning. The elaborate bath complexes, with their sophisticated heating systems and social spaces, highlight the importance of hygiene and leisure in Roman culture. Theatres and the amphitheatre showcase the value placed on entertainment, providing venues for drama, music, and gladiatorial games that brought the community together.

These buildings not only served their practical purposes but also reflected the city's wealth, social hierarchies, and cultural values. The sophisticated urban planning and the variety of public spaces demonstrate the Romans' advanced understanding of civic design and their commitment to public life. The remains of these structures continue to offer invaluable insights into the daily routines, governance, and cultural practices of the ancient Pompeians, preserving the legacy of this remarkable city for future generations.

circa 50 BCE

Residential Buildings
The residential buildings in ancient pompeii offer insight in to the grandeur and diversity of the casas and villas that once stood proudly along its bustling streets. These dwellings, preserved in remarkable detail by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, offer us an unparalleled glimpse into the daily lives of its inhabitants. From the humble abodes of common citizens to the opulent residences of the elite, each house tells a unique story, rich with cultural and historical significance. The architectural styles, intricate frescoes, and elaborate mosaics that adorn these structures reflect the artistry and sophistication of Roman life, as well as the social hierarchies that defined this vibrant community.

The casas, typically smaller houses occupied by middle-class residents, were often centered around a central atrium, providing a communal space for family activities and social gatherings. In contrast, the grand villas, such as the House of the Faun and the House of the Vettii, showcase the immense wealth and status of their owners. These sprawling estates featured multiple rooms, lush gardens, and private baths, serving not only as luxurious homes but also as symbols of power and prestige. The careful preservation of these sites allows us to study the urban planning and domestic architecture of ancient Pompeii, revealing the intricacies of Roman residential life and offering invaluable insights into their societal norms and daily routines.

circa

Infrastructure
The infrastructure of the Roman period city of Pompeii was remarkably advanced, reflecting the ingenuity and sophistication of Roman engineering and urban planning. The city's infrastructure included a well-organized network of roads and streets, a comprehensive water supply system facilitated by the Aqua Augusta aqueduct, efficient drainage and sewer systems, public baths, and other essential services. These elements not only ensured the smooth functioning of daily life but also contributed to the overall health, sanitation, and quality of life for its inhabitants. The remains of Pompeii's infrastructure offer valuable insights into the technological prowess and civic priorities of the ancient Romans.

circa 60/70 BCE

Suburban Villas
The large suburban villas of ancient Pompeii were luxurious residences situated on the outskirts of the city, reflecting the wealth and status of their owners. These villas offered a retreat from urban life while still maintaining proximity to the amenities and social activities of Pompeii. Characterized by expansive layouts, elaborate decorations, and lush gardens, suburban villas often included private baths, peristyles, and agricultural facilities. Notable examples such as the Villa of the Mysteries highlight the sophisticated lifestyle and aesthetic preferences of Pompeii's elite, providing a vivid picture of leisure and luxury in the ancient world.

circa

Commercial Establishments
The commercial establishments in ancient Pompeii were vibrant hubs of economic activity, integral to the daily lives of its inhabitants. These businesses, ranging from bakeries and laundries to taverns, brothels, and food shops, catered to a wide array of needs and preferences. Establishments such as the Bakery of Popidius Priscus, the Fullonica of Stephanus, the Taberna of Phoebus, the Lupanar, the Thermopolium of Vetutius Placidus, and the Taberna of Sextus Amarantus illustrate the diversity and dynamism of Pompeii’s commercial landscape. These venues not only provided essential goods and services but also fostered social interactions, reflecting the city’s bustling urban culture.

circa

City Gates
The ancient city gates of Pompeii of the ancient Pompeii were crucial architectural and functional elements that defined the urban boundaries and controlled access to the city. These gates, including the well-known Porta Marina, Porta Ercolano, and Porta Nocera, were not only defensive structures but also important points of commercial and social exchange. Each gate led to major roads connecting Pompeii to neighboring regions, facilitating trade and travel. Architecturally impressive and strategically placed, the city gates stand as enduring symbols of Pompeii’s organization, security, and connectivity within the broader Roman world.

circa 150 BCE

Necropoles
The ancient necropoles or cemeteries of ancient Pompeii, located outside the city walls, provide profound insights into the funerary practices, social hierarchies, and cultural beliefs of the city's inhabitants. These burial grounds, such as those at Porta Nocera, Porta Ercolano, and Porta Vesuvio, feature a variety of tombs ranging from simple graves to elaborate monuments adorned with frescoes and inscriptions. The necropolises not only served as final resting places for the dead but also reflected the living's respect and commemoration of their ancestors. Studying these burial sites reveals the diverse and intricate aspects of life and death in ancient Pompeii.

circa 150 BCE

Garden of the Fugitives
The Garden of the Fugitives in Pompeii is a poignant and powerful archaeological site that offers a stark reminder of the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Located in the southeastern part of the city, this site is named for the haunting plaster casts of victims who perished in the eruption, their final moments preserved in the ash that buried the city. This area, once hosting homes and expansive gardens, had been transformed in a vineyard in the years preceding the eruption, with a triclinium for outdoor banquets covered by a pergola. 13 victims, adults and children, were found at various points inside the enclosure, seized by death while trying to find a way out of Nocera Gate, running above the layer of pumice stones that had already reached a height of 3.5 meters. The casts of the 13 victims can now be seen near the back wall of the garden, inside a glass case.

circa

The archaeological regions of Pompeii are the nine divisions or sectors, which help identify and located a particular structures. These areas, called Regiones in Italian are further subdivided in to Insulae. It's important to note that the designations for houses and streets in present-day Pompeii, including the regions and insulae, are contemporary interpretations. Although the names of houses often relate to discovered objects within them, the street names appear to be entirely imaginative. Despite their fanciful nature, these names are officially used and displayed on town sign-posts, making it impractical to disregard them. It's worth mentioning that the Romans themselves did not use terms like the House of the Menander or the Via dell’Abondanza.

circa

The art of Pompeii provides a vivid snapshot of Roman society during the first century CE, meticulously preserved due to the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. This city serves as a remarkable testament to the artistic sophistication and cultural diversity of its time. From elaborate frescoes that adorned the walls of luxurious villas to intricate mosaics found in public spaces and religious buildings, Pompeian art reflects the city's dynamic urban life and the inhabitants' profound admiration for beauty, storytelling, and mythological symbolism.

Pompeii's art is celebrated for its meticulous craftsmanship and vivid representations, depicting scenes from daily life, grand mythological narratives, and the natural world with exceptional detail. These artworks not only served decorative purposes but also acted as cultural expressions, showcasing Pompeii's cosmopolitan identity and its fusion of Greek artistic influences with distinct Roman interpretations. As ongoing archaeological excavations unearth new discoveries and scholarly research sheds light on their historical and social contexts, the art of ancient Pompeii remains a captivating source of insight into the artistic achievements and cultural vibrancy of an ancient civilization.