Ever since I was I little girl I wondered what it would be like exploring ancient Pompeii in Italy. In April, 2022 I finally filled this bucket list item. Pompeii was everything I thought it would be and more. I found it amazing to be walking through these ancient streets that existed so many years ago.
History
Pompeii, Italy is an ancient city that dates back to the 9th or 8th century BC founded most likely by the Oscan’s from Northern Italy. In 89 BC, Pompeii came under Roman Rule. At this time, the Latin language and Roman culture became the norm.
In 62 AD an earthquake damaged Pompeii and also the nearby city of Herculaneum causing significant damage. Before the town was able to recover, Mt Vesuvius erupted and created the infamous volcanic disaster which the city is known for. Reports state that around noon on August 24, 79 AD the volcano erupted spilling ash up to 9 feet deep over the city. The next morning, more debris from the eruption, along with toxic gases and also ash, continued to bury the city to an extent of 19-23 feet. This kept the city intact for many centuries. Excavations did not begin in Pompeii until 1748. For more history on Pompeii you can follow this link to Britannica.
The Tour
The group I was with enjoyed a guided tour through Pompeii which was arranged ahead of time. We showed up and were able to get right in! That worked well! The following photos are from this tour and arranged in the order we visited. I decided not to post photos from the Brothel as they are a bit explicit. I have tried to be as accurate as I can. We did not have a brochure on our tour so consequently I am relying on memory and my notes. You can book a tour to Pompeii through Viator by clicking here. They have many options .
Gladiator’s Barracks
The Large Theatre
This theatre in Pompeii was built into the hillside during the 2nd century BC. It can seat 5000 people!
Along the Streets of Pompeii
The photo below is an area that you could order up food. Kind of like an ancient food court.
According to our tour, the streets through town become streams when it rains as the design is for drainage, going downhill. Throughout the street there are rocks which are stepping stones. Keeps your feet from getting wet when it rains. The below buildings along the street were businesses as evidenced by their wide doorways.
House of Menander
The House of Menander is a glorious home in Pompeii with sections of dating to 250 BC. Built in the traditional Roman style of that time, it most likely belonged to Nero’s second wife’s family. It is 19,000 square feet (1800 square meters). In this house 18 victims of the Mt Vesuvius eruption were found. According to wikipedia, these victims may have been looters and arrived after the occupants fled from the initial eruption and then perished during the final eruption.
Other Photos of Pompeii
The Pompeii Museum
At the end of our tour we finished with a visit through the museum. The casts of the people found here were very profound.
Where We Ate
After our tour was over, we stopped to eat at Shaval for pizza and wine. Both were delicious and so was the dessert and coffee!
Conclusion
I absolutely loved exploring Pompeii, Italy and hope to return to explore in more detail. I will also definitely seek out the same place for pizza! Although I was with a travel group, you can always book a visit to Pompeii yourself.Viator has many great Pompeii tours and you can click here to check them out and book!You can also book through GetYourGuide by clicking here.