Pompeii Was Once a Popular Vacation Spot

A horrific volcanic eruption reduced Pompeii to ash. Now, it is a heavily visited tourist attraction where people witness a historic society preserved forever. Visiting Pompeii is one of Europe's most stunning and immersive experiences, but the story behind it is even more gut-wrenching and shocking. Here are 20 fascinating facts about Pompeii you didn't know. 

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1. The Eruption Occurred in 79 AD

Mount Vesuvius is believed to have erupted on August 24th, 79 AD. The volcano unleashed pumice, ash, and toxic gases that covered Pompeii in only a few hours. Ash caused the weight of the roofs to collapse, and thousands of people were killed. 

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2. The City Was Buried Under 13 to 20 Feet of Ash

After the eruption, Pompeii was covered with 13 to 20 feet of thick ash and pumice. This acted as a sealant that preserved buildings, people, frescoes, and even food. 

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3. Many Died Instantly

People often think that the residents of Pompeii suffered a long and excruciating death. The truth is that most died instantly from heat and gas. Collapsing structures also resulted in a lot of quick deaths. 

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4. The Plaster Casts Came from Empty Voids

Archaeologists in the 19th century uncovered hollow spaces in hardened ash layers. These voids were left where human and animal bodies had decomposed. The process of filling them with plaster created lifelike casts displaying the final pose of the victims. 

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5. The Eruption Lasted Over 24 Hours

Many envision the eruption being a single, powerful burst, but it was actually a prolonged event that lasted over 24 hours. First, pumice rained down, causing utter chaos. Later, fast-moving clouds of ash and gas swept through the city and surrounding towns. 

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6. Pompeii Was Forgotten For Centuries

Post-eruption, Pompeii disappeared from collective memory. Locals knew that the area was once inhabited, but the exact location was unknown. It took until 1748 for an excavation to begin, and it uncovered preserved streets and buildings. This led to Pompeii's resurrection, and the fascination surrounding it spread throughout Europe. 

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7. Pompeii Was a Bustling Roman City

Before its destruction, Pompeii was a thriving city with a population of about 15,000 people, and a popular vacation spot for wealthy Romans. It featured opulent villas, a bathhouse, and markets.

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8. Pets Were Preserved 

During excavations, plaster casts of dogs, horses, and cats were discovered. One of the most famous casts is of a dog still chained and in the middle of struggling to escape. 

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9. Food Was Preserved 

Food was also preserved in ash, which astonished many archaeologists. Bread, figs, nuts, and jars of wine were uncovered during excavations. Some loaves of bread still have the baker's stamp. These discoveries gave historians insight into Roman diets. 

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10. Vesuvius is Still an Active Volcano

Vesuvius might not be destroying entire cities today, but it is still active. Furthermore, it is considered to be one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Its last eruption was in 1944, and scientists monitor it closely. 

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11. The Sea Was An Escape Route

Evidence exists that suggests that some Pompeiians tried to flee via the sea. Unfortunately, the harbor was dangerous as volcanic debris and storms were present and disruptive. Many bodies that were trapped by the surges were found along the shoreline.

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12. Pompeii Had An Advanced Water System

Pompeii had an advanced and sophisticated aqueduct system that supplied water to public fountains, bathhouses, and private residences. Excavations revealed this impressive infrastructure and how it collapsed during the eruption. This proves that Pompeii was a thriving, bustling city in the Roman Empire.

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13. The Amphitheater Survived

Shockingly, Pompeii's amphitheater survived the eruption. It dates back to 70 BC, could fit 20,000 spectators, and hosted gladiator games, wild beast hunts, and other public spectacles. 

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14. Pompeii's Red Light District Was Preserved

The Vesuvius eruption preserved Pompeii's brothels and their frescoes. These discoveries offered valuable insight into Roman lifestyles and daily life. 

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15. Pompeii Citizens Were Of All Classes

Pompeii wasn't just home to the wealthy elite. Citizens were artisans, merchants, slaves, and farmers. Excavations led to discoveries of large villas along with modest homes and workshops. Archaeologists also found cooking pots, children's toys, and tools, proving that Pompeii had a diverse population with respect to classes. 

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16. Ash Preserved Colors

Visitors can still view Pompeii's stunning frescoes and mosaics, which survived the eruption. The lack of sunlight and oxygen protected the colors from fading, making them look as if they were freshly painted.

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17. There Was a Warning

In 62 AD, Pompeii was struck by a powerful earthquake that damaged many buildings. Repairs were still being done when Vesuvius erupted 17 years later. Some experts suggest that this earthquake was a precursor to the volcanic activity that destroyed the city. 

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18. Bodies Provided Insight Into Roman Fashion

The casts of Pompeii's deceased citizens revealed a lot about the popular clothing styles of the time. Sandals, jewelry, and belts were preserved, offering evidence of Roman attire. 

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19. Many Victims Were Found in Cellars

Many Pompeiians sought safety and shelter in cellars and underground spaces. These cellars became death traps as ash and toxic gases seeped in, hauntingly preserving the bodies. 

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20. Casts of Children and Infants Were Discovered

The heartbreaking part about the disaster of Pompeii was the plaster casts of children and infants. These small figures encapsulated the human toll of the eruption. During excavations, toys and tiny sandals were also uncovered. These findings made the events of Pompeii all the more tragic. 

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