Introduction

Before the advent of modern archaeological methods, the ancient city of Pompeii held countless secrets beneath its layers of volcanic ash. This captivating locale, preserved by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, offers a unique window into the past.

Early discoveries at Pompeii provided profound insights into Roman life, culture, and societal structures, long before contemporary techniques enhanced our ability to unearth and interpret historical information.

These initial findings laid the groundwork for current archaeological practices, transforming Pompeii into a cornerstone of classical studies and a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations.

Discoveries at Pompeii in the Late 17th and Early 18th Centuries

Pompeii Inscription

Early Excavations in 1689

The late 17th century marked the beginning of significant yet unofficial discoveries at Pompeii. In 1689, excavators unearthed a remarkable inscription bearing the letters “POMPEI,” which they initially interpreted as referring to a villa of Pompey the Great.

Pompey the Great and the Connection to Pompeii

The Life and Legacy of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus

Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, famously known as Pompey the Great, was a monumental figure in the history of the Roman Republic. Born on September 29, 106 BCE, in Rome, and meeting his tragic end on September 28, 48 BCE, in Pelusium, Egypt, Pompey carved a lasting legacy through his military prowess and political acumen.

His early military career was marked by significant victories, including his effective campaigns for Sulla against Marius during the Social War. Pompey’s strategic brilliance shone through as he reconquered Spain between 76 and 71 BCE, decisively crushed Spartacus’s rebellion in 71 BCE, and eradicated the threat posed by Mediterranean pirates in 67 BCE.

Pompey’s military conquests didn’t stop there; in 63 BCE, he defeated Mithradates and extended Rome’s eastern provinces and frontier kingdoms, thus consolidating his power and expanding the Republic. His political career reached a zenith in 61 BCE when he formed the First Triumvirate alongside Julius Caesar and Marcus Licinius Crassus.

However, following Crassus’s death in 53 BCE, a rivalry grew between Pompey and Caesar. By 52 BCE, amid Rome’s political turmoil, Pompey was appointed sole consul, an unparalleled honour that testified to his influence and capability.

The ultimate clash between Pompey and Caesar culminated in Caesar’s defiance of the Senate and the initiation of a civil war by crossing the Rubicon in 49 BCE.

Pompey, forced to flee eastwards with his navy, faced his final defeat at the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BCE. Seeking refuge in Egypt, Pompey was betrayed and killed, a sombre end to an illustrious career.

Interpreting Early Misidentifications

In 1689, early excavators at Pompeii uncovered an inscription with the letters “POMPEI,” mistakenly attributing it to a villa connected to Pompey the Great. This misidentification, while inaccurate, highlights the enduring legacy and widespread influence of Pompey in Roman historical consciousness.

The initial interpretation may have been erroneous, but it underscores the powerful presence Pompey’s name had in the annals of Roman history, making any hint of his association with archaeological finds a matter of great interest and curiosity.

These early missteps were part of a learning curve that spurred continued exploration and eventually led to more accurate and profound discoveries at Pompeii.

The enduring fascination with Pompey the Great and his monumental legacy inadvertently set the stage for further investigations into the buried ruins of Pompeii, leading to the rich historical revelations that continue to captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Giuseppe Macrini and Camillo Pellegrino’s Contributions

Giuseppe Macrini: Pioneer in Pompeian Studies

Giuseppe Macrini, an erudite scholar of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, was among the first to suggest a systematic identification of the ancient site of Pompeii. Macrini’s initial observations and argument that Civita was indeed the remnants of Pompeii were instrumental in directing academic and exploratory attention to the area.

His keen interest in classical antiquity and diligent study of ancient texts fortified his argument, despite the scarcity of tangible archaeological evidence at the time.

Camillo Pellegrino: Advocate and Collaborator

Camillo Pellegrino, a contemporary of Macrini, stood as a significant figure in corroborating Macrini’s assertions. A scholar with a profound appreciation for historical accuracy, Pellegrino supported Macrini’s identification of Civita.

With a thorough review of historical records and logical deductions, Pellegrino provided the much-needed scholarly backing that helped advance Macrini’s hypothesis. His advocacy was pivotal in promoting further explorations and scholarly interest in Pompeii, despite facing considerable opposition from a skeptical academic community.

Lasting Contributions to Archaeology

Both Macrini and Pellegrino made indispensable contributions to the field of archaeology through their early efforts in identifying Pompeii. Their work laid a foundational framework that inspired subsequent scholars and archaeologists to explore the ruins with renewed rigor.

While their hypotheses were initially met with resistance, the eventual validation of their claims has secured their place in the annals of archaeological history. Today, their pioneering efforts are recognized as crucial to the rediscovery and study of Pompeii, underscoring the profound impact of intellectual curiosity and scholarly persistence.

Martorelli’s Observations

Pompeii ruins

Giacomo Martorelli’s Letter in 1748

In 1748, antiquarian Giacomo Martorelli wrote a letter to his fellow enthusiast Antonio Francesco Gori, describing remarkable discoveries at Pompeii (Civita). Martorelli detailed the unearthing of pictures, columns, and mosaics, which indicated a grand and sophisticated urban center beneath the ground.

Giacomo Martorelli: A Pioneering Antiquarian

Giacomo Martorelli, an esteemed antiquarian of the 18th century, played a pivotal role in the early exploration and documentation of Pompeii. Born in Naples, Martorelli was deeply immersed in the culture and history of his native region, developing a profound appreciation for classical antiquity.

His passion for ancient history and meticulous attention to detail made him a leading figure in the nascent field of archaeology during his time. Martorelli’s contributions were not limited to his famous correspondence; he was instrumental in raising awareness about the significance of the buried city of Pompeii.

Martorelli’s detailed descriptions and enthusiastic correspondence significantly influenced subsequent interest and excavation efforts at Pompeii. His observations helped shift the focus from other sites to Civita, prompting further exploration and eventually leading to the official excavations.

His dedication to uncovering and preserving ancient artefacts and structures provided a wealth of information for future generations of scholars and historians. Through his diligent work and insightful observations, Martorelli significantly advanced the understanding of Pompeian archaeology, ensuring that the rich history of the ancient city was not lost to time.

Role of Local Enthusiasts and Antiquarians

Local Knowledge and Efforts

Long before official excavations began, local inhabitants were aware of the ruins beneath Civita. Agricultural activities, such as plowing and planting, occasionally uncovered artifacts and remnants of ancient structures. These discoveries at Pompeii contributed to a growing body of knowledge about the site and piqued the interest of antiquarians and scholars.

Contributions of Early Explorers

Local enthusiasts and antiquarians played crucial roles in the early, unofficial excavations at Pompeii. Key figures in these efforts used rudimentary methods to uncover artifacts and structures, facing numerous challenges in their pursuit of knowledge.

Despite the lack of formal archaeological techniques, their work laid the foundation for more systematic excavations and provided invaluable information about the site.

Significance of Unofficial Excavations

Early Contributions to Archaeology

The unofficial excavations of the late 17th and early 18th centuries made significant contributions to the field of archaeology. These early efforts raised awareness about the existence of a substantial ancient settlement at Civita, paving the way for future explorations and official excavations.

The discoveries made during this period were instrumental in establishing Pompeii’s historical significance.

Preservation and Documentation

Early explorers and antiquarians made efforts to document their findings and preserve artifacts. Although their methods were not as refined as modern archaeological practices, their documentation provided a valuable record of the early discoveries at Pompeii.

These efforts influenced later, more systematic archaeological approaches and underscored the importance of preserving historical artifacts for future study.

Conclusion

The unofficial excavations at Pompeii were vital in rediscovering the ancient city. Early explorers like Giuseppe Macrini, Camillo Pellegrino, and Giacomo Martorelli, despite facing skepticism and limited resources, made significant contributions.

Their perseverance and curiosity laid the groundwork for future archaeological discoveries at Pompeii , highlighting the importance of ongoing research and preservation efforts in uncovering our past.