1. Cities of Vesuvius
The Nature of Sources

2. Physical Environment Pompeii is located in Campania.
The River Sarno flows through the area from east to west into the bay.
The area is very fertile –
aided by volcanic soil!
Vesuvius has erupted more
than 70 times since AD79.

3. Resources
Due to the fertile soil farmers grew crops such as barley, wheat, vegetables, grapevines and wine, olives.
Fish life was abundant.
Many animals were raised such as goals, and sheep.
They were also able to mix cement and make their own pots.

4. Discoveries Both towns were discovered by accident.
Pompeii – when workmen were digging a canal uncovered wall paintings.
Herculaneum - during the digging of a well workmen found marble fragments belonging to the Theatre.
Early excavations were basically treasure hunting!

5. Giuseppe Fiorelli
Was the Superintendent of Pompeii and Herculaneum in the 1860’s.
Made the plaster casts
Made a grid of the city to locate finds
Made archaeologists keep a day book of the site.
Most significant contributions to the development of the site.

6. Giuseppe Fiorelli

7. Nature of Sources Written Evidence Graffito Inscriptions Letters
Tombstones
Scrolls of Papyri

11. What does this Graffito tell us?
Entertainment
Role of Slaves
Rooms for rent
Gladiators were heartthrobs
Competition with Nuceria
Political slogans
Various guilds
Hunts were on
Insults
Love messages
Philosophy
Religion and politics

12. Nature of Sources Archaeological Evidence
Buildings – private and public
Household equipment
Pictures and mosaics
Cooking and medical equipment
Jewellery and glassware
Human remains