History of Pompeii
On August 24 in 79AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted leaving 2000
misfortunate people from Pompeii lifeless. MT Vesuvius sent a cloud of ash, dust, and
rocks for 18 hours straight. Most of 20,000 citizens in Pompeii fled as their
homes started to collapse.
The eruption began to change. A red-hot avalanche of rock and ash raced down the mountainside. Those who stayed were buried, leaving their bodies encased in volcanic debris. As the bodies decomposed, they left hollow spaces. Centuries later, archaeologists detected these spaces and gently filled them with plaster, creating moulds that chillingly capture their horrific last moments before death.
Pompeii wasn't discovered again until late 16th century by the architect Domenico Fontana. Excavation did not begin in Pompeii until 1748, and in 1763 an inscription (“Rei publicae Pompeianorum”) was found that identified the site as Pompeii.
The eruption began to change. A red-hot avalanche of rock and ash raced down the mountainside. Those who stayed were buried, leaving their bodies encased in volcanic debris. As the bodies decomposed, they left hollow spaces. Centuries later, archaeologists detected these spaces and gently filled them with plaster, creating moulds that chillingly capture their horrific last moments before death.
Pompeii wasn't discovered again until late 16th century by the architect Domenico Fontana. Excavation did not begin in Pompeii until 1748, and in 1763 an inscription (“Rei publicae Pompeianorum”) was found that identified the site as Pompeii.
Today the Naples National Archaeological Museum holds a large collection of the artefacts of Pompeii. The museum holds the famous mosaic, the Alexander Mosiac, dating from 100 BC. It was originally from the House of Faun in Pompeii. Also in the Museum there are numerous of the mummified Pompeii citizens.
There have been many exhibitions around the world based on Pompeii. One of the latest exhibitions was at the British Museum, during the 28 March – 29 September 2013, featuring life and death in Pompeii.
Here is a link to check out what the exhibition was all about:
:http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/past_exhibitions/2013/pompeii_and_herculaneum.aspx
There have been many exhibitions around the world based on Pompeii. One of the latest exhibitions was at the British Museum, during the 28 March – 29 September 2013, featuring life and death in Pompeii.
Here is a link to check out what the exhibition was all about:
:http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/past_exhibitions/2013/pompeii_and_herculaneum.aspx