Despite some Greek immigrations at that time and the establishment of a Doric temple on the ground of the Foro Triangolare (direct by the theatre) Pompeii has never been a Greek city.
At the end of the 5th century B.C. increasing immigrations of Samnites (tribes from the mountain regions, which enclose the gulf of Naples) caused that the city was now ruled by these immigrants. Starting from 200 B.C. (after the 2nd Punic war) the seaport (before the eruption of 79 Pompeii was situated at the sea) developed into an important commercial centre with a substantial textile manufacturing.
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 came to a massacre in the amphitheater to spectators from Nuceria (today Nocera). Thereupon a complaint in Rome led to a ten-years prohibition of any plays in the amphitheater imposed by emperor Nero.
The outbreak 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 distant to the sea.
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 a considerable progress in excavating.
By the preservation under volcanic ash the excavations offer today a unique and to a large extent complete snapshot from that time. Elsewhere only monumental public buildings kept preserved. But in Pompeii you can see quarters with villas of wealthy people as well as quarters with normal houses, shops, restaurants, bakeries etc. Here you can even during a short visit get a vivid impression of the everyday life of an antique Roman city.
Who never visited Pompeii before should this time not do without. 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 guidances.
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" to 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).
Sorry !
- The preceding text is not a professional translation from the original german text, as I have only a limited knowledge of the English language.
If you like to improve this translation, please send your hints on mistakes and stylistic failures towebmaster@paestum.de
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