Introduction

The ancient city of Pompeii, once a thriving Roman settlement, has been an archaeological treasure trove ever since it was buried under volcanic ash in AD 79 due to the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Excavations in Pompeii have a long history, starting with the survivors who initially sought to recover their belongings amidst the ruins. Over the centuries, these excavations evolved from rudimentary and often haphazard efforts to more sophisticated and systematic archaeological practices.

The processes of excavation and exploration have revealed not only the daily lives of its ancient inhabitants but also the gradual advancements in archaeological techniques and methodologies.

Immediate Post-Eruption Salvage Efforts

Tunnel under the amphitheater in Pompeii
Tunnel under the amphitheater in Pompeii

Survival and Recovery Attempts

In the immediate aftermath of the eruption, survivors faced the daunting task of navigating a landscape buried under several meters of volcanic debris. Archaeological evidence indicates that many individuals attempted to retrieve personal belongings amidst the chaos.

Tools such as pickaxes and drag-hoes found near bodies suggest hurried salvage efforts. These tools, discovered in various locations around the city, provide a poignant reminder of the desperate attempts to recover valuables before fleeing or succumbing to the disaster.

Tunnels and Excavations in Pompeii by Survivors

One of the most striking pieces of evidence for early salvage efforts is the discovery of tunnels beneath the volcanic layers. These tunnels, often leading from house to house, indicate systematic attempts to reach buried structures.

For example, in the ‘House of the Menander’ (I.x.4), a large hole in the rear wall of room 19, accompanied by skeletal remains and tools, suggests an effort to dig through the debris. Such findings highlight the determination of survivors to reclaim their properties amidst the catastrophic conditions.

Coordination and Individual Efforts

The extent to which these early salvage efforts were coordinated remains a topic of debate. Inscriptions like the one found on the ‘House of N. Popidius Priscus’ (VII.ii.20), which includes the Greek words for ‘tunnelled house’ (domus pertusa), imply some level of organization.

However, much of the evidence points to individual or small group efforts driven by immediate survival needs rather than a systematic recovery plan.

Organized Salvaging in the Early Roman Period

Findings of Pompeii
Findings of Pompeii

Imperial and Local Authorities’ Involvement

Historical accounts suggest that the Roman authorities, including Emperor Titus, took an active role in organized salvage efforts. Cassius Dio and Suetonius mention the establishment of schemes to assist in the recovery and rebuilding of affected areas.

This involvement included not only financial aid but also logistical support to clear the debris and recover valuable materials.

Redistribution of Recovered Materials

Recovered materials, particularly those of high value such as marble and bronze, were often repurposed for reconstruction projects within the affected regions. This redistribution was a pragmatic approach to addressing the extensive damage and resource scarcity following the eruption. Public buildings and monuments, such as temples and theaters, benefited from these materials, aiding in the swift restoration of communal infrastructure.

Evidence of Official Tunneling Operations

Archaeological findings support the notion of coordinated tunneling efforts. Large, systematically dug tunnels, often accompanied by inscriptions indicating official oversight, point to organized operations rather than haphazard digging. These tunnels not only facilitated the recovery of valuables but also helped clear access routes through the buried city, aiding both immediate recovery and long-term excavation efforts.

Later Centuries and Medieval Salvage Activities

Continued Interest in Pompeii’s Remnants

The interest in Pompeii’s remnants persisted well into the medieval period. Historical references and medieval accounts indicate that the site remained a source of fascination and economic opportunity.

The discovery of medieval artifacts within the volcanic layers suggests that salvaging activities continued, driven by the ongoing value placed on the materials buried beneath the ash.

Archaeological Findings

Excavations in Pompeii have uncovered evidence of later disturbances, including mixed layers of ash, pumice, and medieval materials. These findings indicate that salvage efforts did not cease in the immediate post-eruption period but continued for centuries.

Artifacts such as pottery and lamps dating from the medieval period have been found within the site, providing tangible evidence of ongoing activities.

Motivations Behind Medieval Salvage

The motivations behind medieval salvage activities were both economic and cultural. Valuable materials, such as lead pipes and marble, were repurposed for use in new constructions. Additionally, the historical and cultural significance of Pompeii’s artifacts attracted collectors and historians, further driving salvage efforts.

Modern Clandestine Digs and Unauthorized Excavations

Findings of Pompeii
Findings of Pompeii

Rise of Treasure Hunting in the 18th and 19th Centuries

The 18th and 19th centuries saw a resurgence of interest in Pompeii, driven largely by treasure hunting. This period was marked by a lack of regulated archaeological practices, leading to widespread unauthorized excavations in Pompeii. Treasure hunters sought valuable artifacts, often causing significant damage to the site in their quest for relics.

Famous Cases of Clandestine Excavations

Notable examples of unauthorized digs include the activities of early excavators like Johann Joachim Winckelmann and the Bourbon kings of Naples. These efforts, while uncovering significant finds, often prioritized immediate gain over preservation, resulting in the loss of invaluable archaeological context from the excavations in Pompeii.

The methods employed during these clandestine digs frequently involved crude and destructive techniques, further compromising the integrity of the site.

The Letter of Johann Joachim Winckelmann

Pompeii ruins
Pompeii ruins

In the annals of Pompeian studies, the letter penned by Johann Joachim Winckelmann in 1762 stands out as a pivotal historical document. Addressed to his patron, Cardinal Archinto, the letter captures Winckelmann’s observations and interpretations of the ongoing excavations in Pompeii and Herculaneum.

As a renowned art historian and archaeologist, Winckelmann’s insights were invaluable in shaping contemporary and subsequent understandings of classical antiquity. In the letter, Winckelmann offers a detailed account of the artifacts and architectural features uncovered during the digs.

He highlights the artistic and cultural significance of the findings, emphasizing their importance in providing a clearer picture of Roman life and society. Winckelmann’s meticulous descriptions, combined with his profound appreciation for ancient artistry, underscore his commitment to the preservation and scholarly study of the ruins.

Moreover, the letter reveals Winckelmann’s concern about the methodologies employed by early excavators. He critiques the haphazard and often destructive techniques that were prevalent at the time, advocating for more systematic and scientific approaches to unearthing and documenting the treasures of Pompeii.

His call for careful preservation and contextual understanding laid the groundwork for more rigorous archaeological practices in later years.

Through his correspondence, Winckelmann not only chronicled the early discoveries at Pompeii but also contributed to the burgeoning field of archaeology, influencing generations of scholars and excavators who followed in his footsteps.

The rise of unauthorized excavations eventually led to the introduction of laws aimed at protecting archaeological sites. Modern efforts to preserve and protect Pompeii from further unauthorized activities include stringent regulations and the establishment of formal archaeological practices.

These measures have helped mitigate the damage caused by earlier activities and ensure the systematic and respectful excavations in Pompeii.

Conclusion

The numerous excavations in Pompeii highlight the site’s complex history and ongoing value. From post-eruption salvage efforts to modern digs, these activities underscore the importance of preservation and human responses to disaster.

Continued research and protection are essential to appreciating and learning from Pompeii’s past, balancing exploration with preservation for future generations.