Pompeii/Herculaneum: background and geographical context

Question 1

where is both Pompeii and Herculaneum located?

Answer 1

Campania region, Italy in Bay of Naples
Herc–7km west of Mt Vesivius
Pom– south of Mt V

Question 2

who founded both cities and their influence?

Answer 2

legend: Herc–> Hercules

6th cent settled by Greek traders, influenced street layout- grid like, also religiously (Temple of Apollo)

Question 3

east west road

Answer 3

decumanus

Question 4

north south road

Answer 4

cardo

Question 5

when was the earthquake?

Answer 5

62 AD, 17 years before eruption

Question 6

natural features/neighbours:

Answer 6

Mt Vesuvius. Sarno River, , Bay of Naples

neighbours: Nuceria, Miserium

Question 7

Pompeii info:

Answer 7

built on volcanic plateau, 66ha,

connected to seaside, very fertile agricultural region

Question 8

Herculaneum info:

Answer 8

natural terrace above beach front

Question 9

resources:

Answer 9

wine, olives, olive oil, grapes, wool, dates, figs, wheat/barley, fish, garum (pompeii)

Question 10

streetscapes: both

Answer 10

grid like Greek system, insulae and straight streets

Pompeii: Fiorelli introduced plan: dividing into 9 regions with each insulae/domus/street block numbered.

Pom: Via Stabiana for trade, main road Via dell’abbodanza, 8m wide, used tufa (volcanic rock for road) which had deep ruts from carts, had stepping stones, raised pedestrian footpaths

Herc: smaller narrow streets, no ruts (less busy), no stepping stones-> better drainage cleaner system
main road: Decumanus Maximus/inferior, and Cardo 3-5

both have forums which were the heart of the city