Despite some Greek immigration at that time and the establishment of a Doric temple on the site of the Foro Triangolare (directly beside the theatre) Pompeii has never been a Greek city.
At the end of the 5th century B.C. increasing immigration of Samnites (tribes from the mountain regions, which enclose the gulf of Naples) caused the city to now be ruled by these immigrants. Starting from 200 B.C. (after the 2nd Punic War) the seaport (before the eruption of 79 Pompeii was situated by the sea) developed into an important commercial centre with a substantial textile manufacturing business.
This period of prosperity brought into being the art-historically interesting basilica, which served as market hall and hall of justice (approx. 130 B.C. ), the well preserved small theatre with 800 seats, which was roofed at that time, the thermal baths and many magnificent mansions.
During the civil wars in the 1st century B.C. Pompeii was allied to the confederates. The city was besieged in 89 B.C. but withstood. In the year 80 B.C. Pompeii got the status of a Roman colony with Latin as the official language. Also from this year dates the Roman amphitheater , which offered seats for 20,000 spectators. It is the oldest preserved Roman amphitheater and measures 136 m in length and 104 m in width. As with the Colosseum in Rome the spectators were protected by a tent-type roof.
The Romans appreciated Pompeii increasingly as a summer-resort. But as a consequence the townscape was more and more shaped by speculators and profit hunters. Tenement houses, brothels and graffiti spread out - a development, which is certainly not unfamiliar to us.
Also murderous, violent hooliganism existed at that time: In the year 59 A.D. it resulted in a massacre, in the amphitheater, of spectators from Nuceria (today Nocera). Thereupon a complaint in Rome led to a ten-year prohibition of any shows in the amphitheater imposed, by emperor Nero.
The eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD has not only buried the city completely under volcanic ash but also had the consequence that Pompeii is today situated a distance from the sea.
The excavation of Pompeii started in 1748 under the rule of Charles of Bourbon. But it took more than hundred years till 1869 that a more systematic approach (and better means) led to considerable progress in excavating.
The preservation of the ecavations under volcanic ash offer today a unique and to a large extent complete snapshot from that time. Elsewhere only monumental public buildings are kept preserved. But in Pompeii you can see quarters with villas of wealthy people, as well as quarters with ordinary houses, shops, restaurants, bakeries etc. Here you can, during even a short visit, get a vivid impression of the everyday life of an ancient Roman city.
If you never visited Pompeii before you should not miss the opportunity. Pompeii is a top World Heritage Site. Of course the excavation area is overcrowded during high season. Nonetheless a visit is thoroughly worthwhile. If you are not well prepared it is certainly worth joining one of the paid guides.
It is not difficult to get to Pompeii even without a car. The station "Pompei Scavi" of the Circumvesuviana railway line Naples-Sorrento is located close to the entrance "Porta Marina" of the excavation area. The Railway station of the national railways "fs" (if you come e.g. from the area around Paestum) is situated also within walking distance (about 20 minutes).
Many thanks to Lynne for the revision and correction of the preceding
English text.
+ 
+ 
international + non-verbal
Mappe 
Karten
Bei Amazon ist der Versand von Büchern normalerweise (außer bei Fremdanbietern) völlig frei von Versandkosten.
