site of pompeii + pliny

Question 1

name 6 geographical advantages of pompeii

Answer 1

1. abundance of fertile volcanic soil = two crops a year
2. lava spur = elevated position = easier to defend
3. ideal climate for agriculture = sheep = cloth trade
4. surrounding wood land = timber trade
5. north-south trade route = export = easier
6. river sarno = close = irrigation and ships and water supply

Question 2

when did the romans found the colony of pompeii?

Answer 2

80 BC

Question 3

when was the amphitheatre built? spectators?

Answer 3

70 BC - 20,000

Question 4

when was the riot in pompeii?

Answer 4

59 AD

Question 5

when was the earthquake?

Answer 5

62 AD

Question 6

when was the eruption?

Answer 6

79 AD

Question 7

name 5 warning signs of the eruption

Answer 7

small earthquakes/tremors e.g. in 62 AD
wells dried up
springs stopped flowing
birds were silent
dogs howled

Question 8

outline 6 major events of the 79 AD eruption according to pliny

Answer 8

1. pumice and lithics smashed through roofs
2. the sky darkened (sun blocked out) bc of ash column which continually grew
3. ash began to block the sea
4. magma flow
5. 6 pyroclastic surges
6. fires started

Question 9

outline 6 ways people died during the eruption

Answer 9

1. falling roofs
2. buried by ash/pumice/lithics/surge
3. poisonous gases
4. ash filled air cementing the lungs
5. thermal shock
6. fire

Question 10

name 3 things pliny’s account tells us about the eruption

Answer 10

• provides dates and times
• peoples rescue attempts/reaction e.g. pillows on heads and slaves rebelling
• losing faith in the gods