[Italy/Pompeii] A city destroyed overnight
Pompeii is an ancient city located near Naples in southern Italy, and was destroyed overnight by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
This large-scale disaster left Pompeii covered in volcanic ash and forgotten for a long time, but excavations since the 18th century have revealed its appearance, and today it is registered as a World Heritage Site as a valuable historical site for learning about urban life and culture in ancient Rome.
◆ Mount Vesuvius and its effects
The fate of Pompeii was decided by the eruption of the nearby volcano Vesuvius.
In 79 AD, the volcano erupted violently, destroying Pompeii and the surrounding city in an instant.
The city was buried by pyroclastic flows and volcanic ash from the eruption, and a mountain collapse of about 25 meters occurred.
As a result, Pompeii was completely covered and its existence was forgotten until it was excavated.
◆ Life in the Roman Empire and its historical value
The ruins of Pompeii tell us in amazing detail about life in the ancient Roman Empire.
The city contains theaters, baths, forums, temples, houses, and commercial facilities such as taverns and bakeries, giving a glimpse into the daily life and social life of the inhabitants at that time. In particular, the frescoes, mosaics, and graffiti are well preserved, giving a concrete picture of Roman life, religion, entertainment, and commercial activities.
In addition, because the buildings and artworks have been preserved in their original form, we can understand in detail the urban planning, architectural style, residential layout, and how public facilities were operated at the time.
The inscriptions and graffiti left in the city even give a glimpse into the spiritual culture of the Romans, such as their emotions, thoughts, and interactions in their daily lives.
◆A city destroyed overnight
The most shocking aspect of Pompeii is that it was destroyed overnight.
Although it was a vibrant Roman city before the disaster, the eruption brought an end to its prosperity in an instant.
Many of the bodies excavated are those of people who lost their lives while trying to escape, vividly conveying the fear and confusion they felt at that moment.
In addition, excavated animals and household items have been preserved exactly as they were in life up until the eruption, showing how abrupt Pompeii's downfall was.
◆Sightseeing Points
・Ruins: You can visit well-preserved buildings such as theaters, temples, and baths, and experience life at the time.
・Frescoes: Many colorful murals and mosaics remain, allowing you to enjoy ancient Roman art.
・Forum: The center of civic life, providing clues to the state of society.
・Preservation of bodies: Bodies that show what it was like at the time of the eruption have been restored in plaster and are on display, allowing you to feel the weight of history.
Pompeii is an extremely valuable place from both historical and geological perspectives, and is a rare archaeological site in the world where you can deeply consider the relationship between ancient civilization and the forces of nature.
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