Saturday, May 22, 2010

Tour of Pompeii

One of the things we really wanted to see was Pompeii, so we took about a 45 minute scooter ride to check it out. For those who may not be familiar, this town was completely decimated during the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. And not more than 15 years before that, it was virtually wiped out by a major earthquake. They were really fighting a losing battle it seemed, and everyone was basically condemned by just living there. We were amazed as we went at how big the entire city was, and how much they've been uncover. Things for the most part are in-tact, and though they've moved a lot off to the museums in Naples, a lot is still there. It really was amazing to be at. And of course, as we stood looking at Mt. Vesuvius in the background, it was a little spooky knowing what else is going on the world! Here's some pictures of our time in Pompeii:


In the ruins with Mt. Vesuvius in the background

Yes, this is great - Jen going all Abbey Road. But, the other thing is how this is a real "crosswalk". They built their roads below the building levels to help with drainage, so to keep people from having to step way down in the road when they crossed, they walked on the "crosswalk" made of the major raised stones, spaced just right so carriages could still pass

A clay pot excavated from the ruins...

This is in a cafeteria of sorts where people would go every day to get there meals. Warm meats, stews or whatever was on the menu would be warmed in these counters which would have been topped with marble. People would come get their fool, and take it back to there homes for their families.

A fountain inside one of the communal bath houses.

Wall decorations in the bath house



No comments: