The history of Pompeii is a compelling narrative of life, calamity, and preservation through the ages. Situated in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii’s tale is not only about the catastrophic eruption in 79 CE that buried it beneath volcanic ash but also about the vibrant society that thrived there before disaster struck. This section offers a series of articles that trace Pompeii from its origins as a thriving Roman city, through its untimely demise, to its rediscovery and the invaluable insights it provides into ancient Roman life. Delve into the history of Pompeii, exploring the archaeological discoveries that have pieced together the puzzle of its past, and learn about the ongoing efforts to preserve this unparalleled window into antiquity.
The Emergence of the Middle Class as Cultural Consumers The 19th century was a period of profound transformation. Industrialization fueled economic growth, creating a burgeoning middle class with disposable income and leisure time. This new social stratum developed a keen
Introduction Pompeii, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world, was rediscovered in the 18th century and has since provided invaluable insights into ancient Roman life. Thanks to the pioneering excavation techniques introduced by Giuseppe Fiorelli in the
The Dynamic Duo: Garibaldi and Dumas Giuseppe Garibaldi, the lion-hearted Italian general, and Alexandre Dumas, the prolific French novelist, forged a partnership that went beyond their respective fields. This unprecedented alliance combined Garibaldi’s military prowess with Dumas’s literary genius to
Introduction The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD is one of the most iconic events in ancient history, leaving an indelible mark on both the Roman world and subsequent generations. This catastrophic event buried the city of Pompeii under
Introduction Giuseppe Fiorelli stands as a towering figure in the field of archaeology, renowned for revolutionizing excavation methodologies and advancing archaeological education. His innovative approaches transformed the way excavations were conducted, emphasizing meticulous documentation and analysis. Fiorelli’s pioneering work at
Mount Vesuvius’s eruption is a monumental event in human history, traditionally dated to August 24, AD 79. This date has stood the test of time, largely due to the vivid eyewitness accounts of Pliny the Younger, whose letters to historian
Introduction Pompeii, once a bustling Roman city, was abruptly frozen in time in the year AD 79 by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Rediscovered in the 18th century, it has since become an evocative and invaluable archaeological site, capturing the
Introduction In the annals of Roman military history, few honors held as much prestige as the Grass Crown (Corona Obsidionalis). This rare distinction, awarded for extraordinary bravery and leadership, symbolized the highest level of recognition a Roman general could aspire
Introduction Pompeii, once a thriving hub of trade and commerce in the Italian peninsula, underwent a dramatic transformation following its conquest by Roman General Sulla. This transformation marked the beginning of a new era for Pompeii, reshaping it from a
Introduction In the annals of ancient Rome, few events capture the drama and strategic brilliance as vividly as General Sulla’s siege of Pompeii. Occurring against the backdrop of the Social War (91–88 BC), a conflict fueled by the struggle for
