Pompeii was one of the largest cities in ancient Rome. The city grew quite huge because of a thriving economy based on oil and wine production. Every guide book to Italy tells you to visit the city and you should. Even during the busy summer months, Pompeii is a spectacular place to visit. The city is a time capsule taking you on a journey to ancient Rome. Hot volcanic ash help to preserve most of the city as it was. A visit to this ancient city allows you to look at how life was during the first century AD. It is an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in ancient Roman life.
A Short History of Pompeii
This great city started to develop around the 8th century BC. The Bay of Naples was an attractive place for wealthy vacationers. By the first century AD, Pompeii had become a flourishing resort town. The town had become a bustling center of commerce and entertainment. On the eve of the fateful eruption, it is estimated that there were about 20,000 people in the city. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. buried the whole city in a thick carpet of ash. When it was discovered in 1748; explorers were delighted to find that under the ash, everything was mostly intact.
Life Before the Eruption
Life went on as normal in the city. The town had elaborate villas lining the streets. The streets were filled with tourists, slaves, and townspeople as they went about their lives. The major entertainment spots were bathhouses and brothels located all over the city. In short, the city was the ancient Las Vegas of the Roman Empire.
Why Pompeii Was So Well-Preserved
If you are a history buff, you should visit the city. No other city from the first century is preserved as well as this city. You will o experience what you learned in your history books in real life. The eruption created a time capsule of ancient Roman life. Excavation work is still ongoing today, and new discoveries are made all the time. With the right guide beside you ,it could deepen your understanding of one of the greatest empires to ever exist on earth. Make Sure you visit Pompeii! It is too unique a place not to visit on your vacation to Europe. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the ancient world in all its glory with a visit to this site. It will be worth every moment you spend there.