Everything Flashcards
Geographical setting: (3)
- Pompeii and Herculaneum were located in the fertile region of Campania, near the coast of the Bay of Naples.
- Pompeii was located next to the river Sarno, and was SE of Mt. Vesuvius. Herculaneum was SW of Vesuvius, near modern-day Naples.
- Both towns were close to the sea; source of trade/communication.
Natural features(3)
- River Sarno (E of Pompeii).
- Mt. Vesuvius.
- Lattari Mountains (SE of Pompeii).
Resources: 4
- Wine, olives, olive oil, grain, fish, wheat and barley.
- Area around Vesuvius was very fertile due to the volcanic soil; this made it ideal for agriculture.
- Bay was abundant with sea life; breeding ground for fish. Fishing was major industry for P+H.
- Pompeii had network of roads to other towns; trading was big part of commercial activity.
Where was Forum in both cities?
➢ The Forum was the heart of the city in both P+H.
6 features of streets in P
- Main streets inside town were a contribution of the main roads that connected Pompeii with Rome as well as surrounding town.
• Main streets of town also led to the Forum - The streets of P were paved with large slab of volcanic stone.
- The road was raised slightly
- Narrow footpaths were laid above road level on either side
- Stepping stones were placed along streets, esp. in front of homes of the wealthy to allow pedestrians
- Some streets surfaces display ruin caused by the continuous scraping of metal rimmed wheels on Roman carts= evidence of thriving economy
3 features of streets cape in H
When compared with the streers of Pompeii, there are fewer traces of the traffic in it
- There are no marks worn into roads by the repeated traffic of heavily loaded carts, there are no pedestrian stepping stones
- The step up to the road is not high
- H was equipped wih an excellent drainage system, and a large sewer carried rain water and waste out into the sea.
What is the range of available sources, both written and archaeological
Very few written sources available; some include Pliny Elder/Younger, Dio Cassius, Strabo, etc. Most evidence → archaeological (e.g. human remains, papyrus scrolls, etc).
Ancient Historians: Pliny the Younger (3)
- Main source on the eruption of 79AD. Was an ancient Roman writer. Wrote an account of the 79AD eruption. Was adopted by his uncle, Pliny the Elder. Stated his purpose in writing about the eruption was to show what a hero his uncle was, rather than the effects of the eruption. Despite this, he still described aspects of the eruption:
a. “falling hotter and thicker” – ashes falling.
b. “wide sheets of flame from Mt. Vesuvius and high reaching fires were shining out.”
c. Appearance and shape; described as similar to a ‘pine tree’. - Pliny’s account is not 100% reliable; he does give a very detailed description of parts of the eruption, but his account was written 25 years after the event, and his purpose was to honour his uncle, not describe the eruption.
- Work of Hiraldur Sigurdsson (examining stratigraphy of P+H, and comparing eruption of Vesuvius to modern day eruptions, e.g. Mt. St Helens) corroborated what Pliny’s account said; this made Pliny more reliable.
Seneca:
➢ ancient philosopher/statesmen who recorded valuable information on Pompeii by describing various aspects of the city. Described Pompeii’s location, the earthquake of 62AD and its effects, and baths.
Strabo:
➢ Greek geographer. Is useful for the geographical setting/historical background of Pompeii.
Modern Sources, how is it helpful?
➢ Expand our understanding along with archaeological evidence of what we understand of P+H.
Harold Sigurdsson and his role in theory of eruption
• Work of Hiraldur Sigurdsson (examining stratigraphy of P+H, and comparing eruption of Vesuvius to modern day eruptions, e.g. Mt. St Helens) corroborated what Pliny’s account said; this made Pliny more reliable.
Who examined statigraphy of H and P’s eruption to modern day eruptions (e.g with St. Helens and corroborated with Pliny’s account)
Harold Sigurdsson
Documents found
➢ Volumes of papyri comprising a collection of works by Philodemus in 1st century BC.
Legal/business records, written on wax tablets
Official inscription types
• Official notices written by professional sign writers.
• Monumental inscriptions on public buildings, tombs and statues.
New laws/outcomes of trials which were written up.
Advertisements found were of?
- Announcements of gladiatorial combats and theatrical entertainment.
- Election notices.
- Auction sales.
- Lodging house accommodation
pottery inscriptions were of what?
➢ Were mostly labels of goods, but offer glimpses of trade and life in towns.
graffiti of what was found?
➢ Pompeii → thousands of scrawls on walls on public/private buildings. E.g.: • Advertisements. • Political propaganda. • Quotations. • Rude remarks/insults. • Compliments
In archeological evidence what was found within wall paintings? (2)
➢ Interior walls of temples and houses were covered with murals; subjects were predominantly mythological.
➢ These paintings provide details on clothing, food, leisure activities, furniture, writing instruments, games, religious rituals, musical instruments and industrial tools.
In archeological evidence what was found within mosaicS?
➢ Adorned floors, walls and ceilings. Richest mosaics were enhanced by precious stones/enamelling.
In archeological evidence what was found for statues
➢ Bronze/marble statues were extremely common in both towns. All public buildings were decorated with profusion of statues.
➢ Were numerous amounts of statues in private establishments depicting gods, copied Greek masterpieces, athletes, ladies and busts. Some statues were used for garden ornamentation or tomb decoration.
In archeological evidence what was found about human remains
➢ Bones of over 300 victims buried in pumice in houses, on the street, in crypts or in underground cellars.
➢ Varied skulls testify to different ethnic origins of the population.
➢ Plaster casts of victims made by Fiorelli show clothes in fine detail and objects the people were carrying.
➢ 139 victims have been uncovered in seafront chambers/beach at Herculaneum.
In archeological evidence what was found for animal remians?
➢ Plaster casts in ash of a mule, goat and dogs found in Pompeii.
➢ Remains of a horse found in Herculaneum.
What is the issue of sources and reliability for modern day sources??
Secondary sources rely on accuracy of primary sources they use.