Wednesday, March 9
Got up early and left at 8:30 (couldn't sleep from 2-5am). We drove to see the ruins of the city of Pompeii.
The city of Pompeii is a partially buried Roman town-city near modern Naples, Italy. Along with Herculaneum, its sister city, Pompeii was destroyed and completely buried during a long catastrophic eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius spanning two days in 79 AD. The eruption buried Pompeii under 4 to 6 meters of ash and pumice, and it was lost for over 1,500 years before its accidental rediscovery in 1599. Since then, its excavation has provided an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of a city at the height of the Roman Empire.
Although this tragic event ended the lives of 20,000 Pompeian residents, the ash that buried the town served as a sort of mummification for the entire city. The eruption of 79 AD which buried the town in ash actually captured a moment in time. Under the ash everything remained as it was at the time of the eruption. Artwork was preserved. Buildings were preserved. Several important clues were left behind. These clues give us a little glimpse into the past.
Garden of the Fugitives
Carol & Me sitting on an ancient street (waiting for a snack and water!)
Michelle and I in Pompeii
The people who died in Pompeii were buried in gravel and ash. Most died of suffocation.
Amphitheater of Pompeii
