Η Πομπηία ήταν πόλη της νότιας Ιταλίας, στην πλευρά της Τυρρηνικής θάλασσας, κοντά στη σημερινή Νάπολη. Χτίστηκε τον 5ο αιώνα π.Χ. από τους Έλληνες στις ακτές της Καμπανίας στους πρόποδες του Βεζούβιου, κοντά στη Ρώμη.
Pompeii was a city in southern Italy, located on the Tyrrhenian Sea side, near modern-day Naples. It was founded in the 5th century BC by the Greeks on the shores of Campania, at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius, close to Rome.
Pompeii fell into the hands of the Romans and was heavily influenced by Greco-Roman culture. Its location and climate were renowned, making it the best resort in ancient Rome. Many wealthy Romans built beautiful country villas on its hills, covered with vineyards, adorning them with various works of art.
Pompeii was a thriving city, with a population of 20,000 to 30,000 inhabitants. In 62 AD, a powerful earthquake struck this beautiful and wealthy city. However, this earthquake was merely a precursor to its complete destruction. Indeed, a few years later, on August 24, 79 AD, after a catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, a massive cloud of ash buried the lively, extravagant, and stunning Roman city forever, within a few hours.
At first, a terrifying cloud of ash rose, covering the city to a height of one meter. As soon as the inhabitants of Pompeii realized the disaster, they began to flee, each grabbing whatever they could in those overwhelming moments. However, many changed their minds and returned, only to be paralyzed by panic.
After the cloud of ash, an unimaginable storm of volcanic debris and pumice stone inundated the city, covering it to a depth of 3 meters or more. On top of this, a new layer of ash and stones settled, so that the current filling reaches 6-7 meters. It is estimated that more than 2,000 people were buried alive and died from asphyxiation.
The ancient city had been forgotten, and no one knew of its existence. The first discovery of a section of Pompeii occurred in 1592, by chance, during work on the construction of the underground aqueduct for the nearby town of Torre Annunziata. Many significant items were found at that time, which, along with those uncovered in later excavations, now constitute a true treasure of art.
The excavations brought Pompeii back to life before our eyes, revealing many details of the daily life of its inhabitants. Preserved, protected from the ravages of time, were the grand villas with their numerous frescoes, the market, the many temples, the small and large theaters, the arches, fountains, shops, and private homes. Details were also preserved that show us the sudden death of the city, with daily life abruptly interrupted.
People lying on couches while eating, people who suffocated from the fumes trying to escape the horrific death. On the tables of the inns, abandoned cups and plates were found, and in one room, the bodies of seven children were discovered, who had been overtaken by death while they were playing.
The ruins of Pompeii are of incomparable value because they have given us a complete picture of a Roman city at the height of its prosperity and wealth. These discoveries have captured worldwide attention.
Poets, prose writers, artists, and generally the entire intellectual world turned towards Pompeii. Friedrich Schiller dedicated beautiful poems to the dead city, and Edward Bulwer-Lytton was inspired to write the novel The Last Days of Pompeii.
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