The geographical setting and natural features of Campania Flashcards
What is the name of the volcano that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum? When did it erupt?
Mt Vesuvius, 79 CE/AD
What is the name of the region where Herculaneum and Pompeii existed?
Campania
What was the setting of Campania like? and where was it?
On the coats of Naples, fertile region due to past volcanic activity, plenty of crops and animals such as fish, sheep and cattle.
What were some natural resources that contributed to the growth of both towns?
- Marine environment (shellfish and fish industry)
- salt (preserving food)
- woodland (building materials and sand mixed with lime for cement)
- fertile soils (grapevines and olives)
- sheep and goats
local clay
What Roman historian wrote about the eruption?
Pliny the Younger
What were some natural features of Pompeii?
- south of Mt Vesuvius
- built on a pre-existing lava flow
- 25-40m above sea level
- river safe to navigate by sea
- strategic harbour town
- fertile and trade route
- many safe anchorages
- dotted with mounds
- caught breezes from the sea and mountains
What are some natural features of Herculaneum?
- 7km away from Mt Vesuvius
- built on pre-existing lava flow
- natural terrace, 20 metres above sea level
- 12-20 hectares
- luxury villas
- super close to the ocean
- not safe working harbour
What were the Impacts of Natural resources such as the climate and crops?
- natural water springs were used as aqueducts and public drinking fountains
- hot dry summers and mild wet winters good for agriculture
- flowers and plants such as roses used for perfume, and olives for olive oil
- fish for garum (Pompeii only)
- towns operated as market towns
What was Garum and what was the process?
garum is a sauce made from fish guts. the fish would be gutted and left for three months to marinate before being drained and converted into a popular sauce.
