The Garden of the Fugitives of Pompeii
Introduction
The Garden of the Fugitives, locally known as “Orto dei Fuggiaschi”, is one of the most poignant sites within the expansive Pompeii Archaeological Park. This garden was once a vineyard used by the locals for wine production, demonstrating the robust wine culture in Pompeii before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.
However, the Garden of the Fugitives is best known for its chilling plaster casts that capture the final moments of 13 victims, who sought shelter in the vineyard from the volcanic eruption. The detailed casts reveal the fear and agony endured by the victims, offering a haunting insight into the human toll of this natural disaster. This stark snapshot of life and death in Pompeii continues to captivate visitors, serving as a sobering reminder of the city’s tragic past.
Table of Contents
Construction
The creation of the Garden of the Fugitives is a testament to the advanced architectural capabilities of the ancient Romans. It was initially developed as a vineyard by the local inhabitants of Pompeii, who utilised the fertile volcanic soil to cultivate grapevines.
The structures in the garden, including the trellises for the vines, were predominantly made of local stone and timber, reflecting the available resources and the construction techniques of the period. The most iconic features of the garden, the chilling plaster casts of the victims, were created much later during archaeological excavations in the 19th century.
The technique, pioneered by archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli, involved pouring plaster into the hollows left by the decomposed bodies in the volcanic ash, resulting in remarkably detailed casts that captured the final moments of the victims. The Garden of the Fugitives, as we see it today, is the result of meticulous archaeological work and conservation efforts, designed to preserve and exhibit the tragic narrative of this historic site.
Noteworthy Details
The Garden of the Fugitives offers several remarkable features that serve as a window into the tragic events of 79 A.D. and the lives of Pompeii’s inhabitants:
- Plaster Casts: The 13 plaster casts of the victims are the most moving elements of the garden. Their preserved expressions and positions provide a poignant snapshot of their desperate final moments.
- Vineyard Layout: The remnants of the vineyard layout give visitors an insight into the agricultural practices of ancient Pompeii. The pattern of planting pits and the remnants of trellising hint at a once thriving vineyard.
- Archaeological Artifacts: Scattered around the site are various archaeological artifacts that were part of the everyday life in Pompeii. These include pottery fragments, tools, and evidence of the wine-making process.
- Wall Inscriptions: The garden also features wall inscriptions that provide a fascinating glimpse into the social life of Pompeii’s inhabitants. Some of these are simple marks of ownership, while others are more elaborate, offering a vivid depiction of the city’s social fabric.
Where to find The Garden of the Fugitives of Pompeii in the Archaeological Park
The Garden of the Fugitives is located in the southeastern part of the Pompeii Archaeological Park, near the Porta Nocera, one of the city’s original gateways. As you enter the park from the main entrance at Porta Marina, follow the well-signposted route leading towards the site. It’s a roughly 15-minute walk, passing notable landmarks like the Temple of Jupiter and the Forum. The garden is somewhat secluded, away from the more crowded central areas, offering a quieter space to contemplate the history and tragedy of Pompeii.
Some Historical Facts about The Garden of the Fugitives of Pompeii
The Garden of the Fugitives in Pompeii is steeped in history, revealing intriguing facts about one of the most devastating natural disasters in human history.
- Unearthed Victims: The 13 victims unearthed in the Garden were not discovered until over 1,800 years after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The bodies were entombed in a thick layer of ash that hardened over time, preserving their final moments in chilling detail.
- Diverse Group of Victims: The victims comprised a diverse group, including men, women, and children, indicating that the devastation spared no one. One of the victims was a woman carrying a toddler, another poignant reminder of the tragedy.
- Historical Misconception: Contrary to common belief, the victims did not die from lava flow, as Mount Vesuvius did not produce a lava flow during the 79 A.D. eruption. Instead, they were likely killed by the pyroclastic surge – a fast-moving current of hot gas and volcanic matter.
- Evidence of Ancient Viniculture: The layout of the vineyard, with its planting pits and remnants of trellises, provides tangible evidence of the viniculture practices in ancient Pompeii. This substantiates historical records suggesting Pompeii as a significant center for wine production.
- Fiorelli’s Method: The technique used to make the plaster casts was pioneered by Giuseppe Fiorelli in the 19th century. He noticed voids in the compacted ash and deduced they were impressions left by decomposed bodies. By injecting plaster into these cavities, he was able to capture the victims’ final moments in extraordinary detail.
These facts shed light on the tragic events of 79 A.D., offering a vivid and poignant window into the past.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Garden of the Fugitives of Pompeii is a poignant reminder of the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the tragic loss of life it entailed. Its historical significance, archaeological artifacts, and the incredibly detailed plaster casts of the victims provide invaluable insights into this tragic event and the lives of Pompeii’s inhabitants.
Moreover, the preserved vineyard layout and associated artifacts substantiate Pompeii’s role in ancient viniculture. The garden, located within the vast Pompeii Archaeological Park, is a must-visit site for anyone seeking to understand the historical narrative of Pompeii and experience an intimate connection with its past.
Resources
- Pompeii Sites Official Website
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Archaeological Areas of Pompeii
- BBC History – The Destruction of Pompeii, 79 AD
- Cambridge University Press – Pompeii: A Sourcebook