If it was not for Pompeii.....

Just when I think that I have my favorite place, I wake up and it's a new day!  Did you know that if Pompeii was not discovered we would only guess what ancient Rome was like, only guess!  It's true, all the knowledge that we have gained from daily life in Ancient Rome is from the discovery of Pompeii.  It is an AMAZING place.  (I think I have totally burnt out that word!)
                                                                              

First  I want to say that I thought that Pompeii was a small excavation.  Wrong, there are streets upon streets of homes and shops and even fast food shops.  A little history about Pompeii...... around 600 -500 BC Pompeii was extablished.  Pompeii is mentioned in Ancient Rome history with the various rulers of Rome.  However, in 79 AD the volcano Mount Vesuvius erupted, covering the city with ash and soot.  So much covered the area that people were buried alive right in the middle of their day, leaving behind evidence of they daily life preserved for nearly 2000 years.

 

Chris is standing at the entrance of the home of Caecilius and his family.  The textbook that Chris has been studying Latin from is called "Cambridge Latin Course".  And the entire first unit is about this family.  Chris was able to tell us about each room, it's purpose and about the family.   Cool, huh!

I took this picture with my camera inside the gate, so as to not see the bars.  This is one room of items that have been removed from each room during the excation, there are about 10 of these rooms.  Each vase, pedestal, chest, table, chair and body (plaster) has been catalogued and put out of reach of the tourists.  Most of the frescos, and mosiac floors have been removed and put into museums.  Do you see the shape of a man on the shelf?

There are a few casts of real humans and pets.  These remains were found but an archilogist, who while excavating realized what he was finding.  He decided to pour plaster into the next holes he discovered and once dry was able to see what position some of these people were in when they died.  There is one plaster that shows a broken skull.  It is speculated that that one was hit by dropping pumice from the exploding volcano. The people seemed to be in living positions when they were buried by the ash. Including a pregnant lady protecting her face.

This is a public toilet, imagine a large marble shelf with holes in them. The refuge (ahem) would drop into the ditch.  Enough said! This was an open room, where people sat side by side.

This is one street.  The road is lower for when it rains and the side walk is raised as to not step into the water.  There is a small area for the water to flow.  On the larger streets there are stepping stones to aid in crossing the street so as not to get your feet wet.

Pompeii is a large city about 1 square mile, with a population of about 15,000 people.  It is unbelievable how large it is and how much has been excavated.  There is still a large section covered.  The volcano is still active, and the residents of the surrounding area know that Mount Versivuis could erupt again.





I'm so glad we came to Pompeii.  We took a fast train from Rome to Naples, about 1 hour, (to cover 200kms)  but a great way to travel.  We are standing in the forum and behind us is the Volcano.

  And then back to the hotel again.  BUSTED!!! Look what I'm doing while posting on our blog......

Did I mention that the bakery is right across the street from our hotel?  Chris and I stayed home so I could work on the blog and Bob made a bakery run, alas the last one!  He tried to trick me that the bakery was sold out, but he knew better than to come back empty handed with creme on his nose!!!

Oh one last think...... There is a church by our Hotel.... and it is the strangest thing...... very strange.  
Let me try to explain,..... here is a photo....

The Crypt of the Capuchins.  So, I want to explain and show respect....   I will copy the brochure.   "In 1631, The Capuchin friars left the friary of St. Bonaventure and came to live in this church, of which only the church and cemetery remain.  The remains of the deceased friars were transported from the old friary and laid to rest.  The bones were arranged along the walls, and the friars began to bury their own dead here, as well as poor Romans.  Over the years, until 1870, further alterations transformed this burial place into the work of art we see today.  It's message is clear: death closes the gates of time, and opens those of eternity."  No cameras were allowed inside, this is a picture of a brochure.

There are 6 rooms with different scenes depicted...... all in human bones!   NO KIDDING!

So, Ciao, we're leaving in the AM for NY!!