The economy: role of the forum, trade, commerce, industries, occupations

Question 1

The Economy:

Answer 1

The economies of both Pompeii and herculaneum comprise of trade, commerce, industries, and occupations, as well as agriculture
An example of graffiti in Ancient Pompeii ‘HAIL PROFIT!) supports the view that the people of all classes appear to have involved themselves in the economy
Economic activities took place all over pompeii and Herculaneum (not restricted to certain areas)

Question 2

ROLE OF THE FORUM

Answer 2

In Pompeii, the buildings associated with admin, religion, and commerce were situated in/around the Forum - this was the main meeting place and trading place. It was close to where the main roads from Naples, Nola, and Stabiae met
The Forum of Herculaneum is still buried under the modern town of Resina/ Ercolino

Question 3

PART OF THE FORUM
Mensa Ponderaria (table of official weights and measures)
- description

Answer 3

A bench with 9 holes of varying size for different measured amounts

Question 4

PART OF THE FORUM
Mensa Ponderaria (table of official weights and measures)
Role in the Economy

Answer 4

Used by officials to supervise the accuracy of weights and measure used in the markets

Question 5

PART OF THE FORUM
Macellum
description

Answer 5

A rectangular courtyard with a circular building or tholos in the centre
Market stalls and shops on N & S side

Question 6

PART OF THE FORUM
Macellum
Role in the Ecnomy

Answer 6

A meat and fish market - fish bones found in drains beneath the tholos are evidence for the latter

Question 7

PART OF THE FORUM
Forum Holitorium
description

Answer 7

Located on the west side of the Forum

Question 8

PART OF THE FORUM
Forum Holitorium
Role in the ecnomoy

Answer 8

A warehouse market for cereals and pulses

Question 9

PART OF TH FORUM
Building of Eumachia
description

Answer 9

A large brick building with marble features

Features of statue of Eumachia

Question 10

PART OF TH FORUM
Building of Eumachia
role in the Economy

Answer 10

Possibly used as a wool market or for sales of other commodities

Question 11

TRADE

Answer 11

Pompeii played an important role in the economy of the region of Campania
Herculaneum was relatively smaller, its economy served local needs
Many examples of different remains of shops

Question 12

COMMERCE

Answer 12

There were many different shops in Pompeii. Many of these shops were located in the front roms of the houses
Shops that have been identified include: a mason’s shop (from a wall painting depicting mason’s tools) and a carpenters ship (from a wall painting depicting carpenters tools)
Markets played a significant role in the commerce of Pompeii. The macellum (market place) was located in the forum, this was the meat and fish market of pompeii. FISH BONES that were found in the drain beneath suggests that this was a fish markt
The opposite side of the Forum was the location of the forum holitorium (dry food market), this was the place where citizens could buy cereals, lentils, beans etc
Evidence also suggests that there were also temporary stalls where vendors sold goods such as shows, cloth, metal vessels, fruit, and vegetables. These stalls were most likely set up in the Forum or the area around the amphitheatre
Bars and inns were popular, usually located on main roads and near the Gates
Many examples of thermopolia/thermopolium (bars serving warm snacks and drinks) were found in Pompeii
Buildings identified as inns have been found near the Nuceria Gate & the Forum. The inns consist of courtyards and upper floor rooms

Question 13

COMMERCE sources

Answer 13

• a mason’s shop (from a wall painting depicting mason’s tools) a
• carpenters ship (from a wall painting depicting carpenters tools)
• . FISH BONES that were found in the drain beneath
• Buildings identified as inns

Question 14

Industries

Answer 14

Industry played a significant role in the economies of both Pompeii and Herculaneum
Agriculture, wine, and olive oil production were predominant
Cloth manufacture was also another industry. Urine was used as part of the process - fullers left large jars outside their businesses where people could make deposits /donations of urine to be used as part of the bleaching process. And example is the Fullery of Stephanus
Tanners, goldsmiths, and silversmiths also used urine in their work

Question 15

OCCUPATIONS

Answer 15

There is a lot of info about the variety of occupations in Pompeii and Herculaneum
P had a large community of artisans including artists, metal workers, potters and glass blowers
There were tradesmen, wealthy merchants, manufacturers and service industries which employed bakers, innkeepers, bath attendants and brothel keepers (and workers)
EVIDENCE: a fresco from Pompeii showing men buying bread

Question 16

EVIDENCE Bakeries

Answer 16

Eleven days before the Kalends, bread was made. Three days before the Nones, bread was made”
Herculaneum, upstairs apartment, statement about a transaction, insula 5,18
The bakery in the Vicolo Storto Pompeii
Fresco - sale of bread at a market stall
Bakery of Modestus → 10 different breeds products & dog food
Mills in Herculaneum with slaves tied to it - human remains

Question 17

EVI

Taverns and Bars

Answer 17

Thermopolium
Asellina’s tavern - Region 9, 2nd insula, Road of abundance
Graffiti

Question 18

EVi

OLIVE presses

Answer 18

Olive Press in pompeii in House of the Ship, Europa

Question 19

EVI

Fullers and Dyers

Answer 19

Dye workshops
Stephanus Fullery
Wall paintings and material remains
Jars collecting urine

Question 20

EVI

Garum

Answer 20

Mosaic on entrance near the portantica of the House of Umbricius Scaurus shows amphorae of garum
Records of imports and exports of garum
Small terracotta jars that once held garum found in Pompeii and Herculaneum → have painted labels w/ info like contents, manufacturer, shipper, and recipient
PTE → “No other liquid has come to be more highly valued”

Question 21

EVI

Metalwork

Answer 21

Only one metal work premises can be identified outside Vesuvian gate from presence of hammers and anvils
Bracelet inscribed from masters to slave
Bronze statues in the Villa of Papyri

Question 22

Woodwork

Answer 22

Woodworking tools (P)
Fresco from wood working shop (P)
Wooden furniture → beds, tables, cubpoards,laraiums, baby’s cot, stool (H)