the geographical setting and natural features of Campania Flashcards
Where located?
Ancient Pompeii & Herculaneum were located in the fertile, crescent-shaped volcanic plain in Southern Italy known as Campania
Campania referred to as?
The Romans referred to this area as Campania felix (fortunate, happy)
Overview of geographical features
- Mount Vesuvius dominates the plain of Campania and divides it into two regions: the larger one to the north drained by the Volturno River, and the smaller one in the south traversed by the Sarno River.
- The prosperity of the towns owed much to their location, one of the most fertile areas.
- ## Mineral rich soils - to support vines, olives, fruit, sheep
Weather
Hot, dry summers with breezes from the sea and mountains and mild, wet winters.
Vesuvius
- Mount Vesuvius dominates the plain of Campania and divides it into two regions: the larger one to the north drained by the Volturno River, and the smaller one in the south traversed by the Sarno River.
- The slopes of Vesuvius in the mid-1st century AD were covered in vines
Fruits, etc grown in Campania
- In rockier areas, olives of high quality were grown. The oil from olives was used for cooking, as well as for a basic ingredient - together with flowers such as roses - in the perfume industry.
- The area also supported a wide variety of fruit: peaches, apricots, lemons, cherries, plums, pears, and figs
seafood
- Safe area for trading and fishing (Seafood resources)
SOURCE: lararium wall painting
Wall painting in the lararium (household shrine) of the House of the Centenary, Pompeii. Painting shows Mount Vesuvius, and Bacchus covered in grapes. Beneath, the snakes are pictured, believed to protect the homes.
SOURCE: seafood/ natural resources
A mosaic showing produce from the sea found in Pompeii.
POMPEII GEO features
- Covered an area of 66 hectares
- The location of Pompeii was very important, as it lay on the only route linking the north and south, and connected the seaside area with the fertile agricultural region of the island
- Population:20,000
- 9 km south of Mount Vesuvius
- Commercial town relying on trade
3. 2 km city wall, 8 gates (lavishly decorated) - Forum - commercial, religious, & political centre of the town
- Pompeii NOT completely excavated (better to conserve what’s there) → excavation and preservation
- Thriving port, commercial centre, large forum, temples, markets, etc
HERC GEO features
- 12-20 hectares
- Population: approx 5000
- 7 km west of Vesuvius
- Located on hill, waves lapped at its base
- Easy access to the sea
- Most of the town is still buried under the modern village of Resina
- Smaller resort & residential town
- Fewer public & commercial buildings than Pompeii BUT some may still be buried
- Houses were built of terraces (spectacular views)
- Suburban baths and sacred area built on waterfront
- Main industry - fishing
- Area enjoyed a high status - many wealthy people built their holiday homes in Herculaneum
Resources available for Pompeii
Water available from the river
Market, gardens, orchards, & vineyards
Port & estuary (body of water) for shipping
Network of roads & other towns
Fish in the sea
Fertile land for agriculture & grazing (for pasture)
Resources available for Herc
Water available in the streams
Salubrious (healthy, pleasant) climate
Limited port facilities
Main coast road running straight across town
Fish in the sea
Vineyards on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius
SOURCE: Florus, Epitome of Roman History, I, ii, 3-6
* CAN PARAPHRASE
: “The district of Campania is the fairest of all regions, not only in Italy but in the whole world. Nothing can be softer than its climate: indeed it flowers twice a year. Nowhere is the soil more fertile.”
