Safari So Good

Today we are joining Hailey’s college group tour to Pompei. This is the city that was destroyed in 79 AC when Mount Vesuvius erupted. At the time the eruption occurred, the city was under construction and it was covered in just a few hours by volcanic lava and ash. People and animals were covered by tons of ash, which killed them immediately. This is an important archeological sight.

The area was uncovered many years later by Italian Archaeologist Guiseppe Fiorelli and continues to be reconstructed today.

The bus ride itself was an experience not to miss. We followed a small winding road not meant to hold two small cars, much less two large buses and a passing scooter (a condition which occurred every few seconds).  Once we arrived in Pompei, we followed the Professor through the ruins and listened to his thorough explanations of the different areas.  Apparently, there were believed to be anywhere from 12,000 – 15,000 people killed when the volcano erupted.  There would have been more deaths, but there had been an earthquake prior to the eruption and many people evacuated at that time.  We saw houses of both poor and rich people.  The difference in residences was like a studio apartment compared to a 7,000 +/- square foot home.  There were no bathrooms or kitchens in the houses.  The government created bathrooms, then charged to use them.  Food was eaten outside as there were no kitchens in the houses. There were brothels and separate rooms for each of the women to provide desired services.

I estimate we walked at least 5 miles and by the time we finished the tour of Pompei, I was literally on my last leg and it was so hot, I had difficulty eating the salad we bought for lunch.  Still, very interesting, especially when you realize this took place almost 2,000 years ago!

Some columns that have been reconstructed.

The colosseum

One of the rooms in the brothel.

Paintings on the walls of the brothel are graphic sex scenes.

More ruins, with Mt. Vesuvias in the background.

A fancy mosaic indicates the house belongs to a wealthy family.