Pompeii - City of the Dead
The ghosts of the long distant past are tangible
here. At Pompeii it doesn't take too much imagination
to visualise the paved streets choked with chariots
and people as they go about their business, the shop-fronts
bustling with activity, and the laughter of children
playing. And this is how it was 2,000 years ago in
this popular Roman sea resort.
Behind the extensive and fascinating remains of
this old Roman town looms the menacing Mount Vesuvius.
Still active, Vesuvius exploded disastrously in
79 AD, encasing Pompeii in a 'time capsule' of ash
and stone. Over 2,000 residents died in the inferno
of hot gas and volcanic debris, and some of these
corpses can be seen today where they fell nearly twenty
centuries ago.
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Although much of Pompeii remains to be excavated,
the area that can be visited is vast. Many streets
are closed off from visitors, but it is a full day
excursion to visit the main sights nevertheless. These
include villas with exquisite frescoes - such as the
Villa of the Mysteries and the House of the Vettii
- as well as a well-preserved theatre complex and
stadium. More prosaic addresses include inns, a
brothel, and bathing complexes, complete with frescoes,
sculpture, and the vestiges of bathing pools, storage
jars, and even brothel beds.
Much of the wealth of Pompeii now resides in the fascinating
Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples - about
60 minutes from Pompei by train - and many visitors
are concerned at the state of the remaining on-site
artwork. Security at Pompeii has also been lax in
the past, resulting in theft and damage.
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Pompeii offers a unique insight into ancient life,
and is also a moving memorial to a city and populace
that died one disastrous day in 79 AD. Not to
be missed.
More Information
Check out the excellent official Pompeii
Website.
Getting There
Pompeii is best reached from either Naples or
Sorrento, and is about 60 minutes by train from
either on the Circumvesuviana service. Day trips also
operate from Rome,
although much of the day will be eaten up by travel
in that case.
The site is open all year (bar three days), and the
entry ticket costs 16,000 lire (a bit over £5).
This ticket gives access to other nearby ruins as
well.
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