We all have heard about ancient civilizations. They are those people or societal functions that have lived and walked the soil that we are standing on right now and created a complex system of governments, trade, communication and all others which we are acquainted to in the Modern Times.
Ancient or old civilizations are magnificent in nature. They have created huge edifices of architectural wonder, passageways only known to their clan, construction at its sharpest and finest forms—all of which, subjected to archaeological and geographical study as it says so much about how human relationships have started.
History tells us a bit clear picture of how they have outlasted the times before and how they have helped the future be molded into a livable era. Without the majestic and intrinsic lifestyle of these old groups of people, we might have had a chaotic and messy way of life right now. And one of the most standout forms and place that testifies to this is the Ruins of Pompeii.
LOCATION
The ruins of Pompeii are located near the modern suburban town of Pompei. It stands on a spur formed by a lava flow to the north of the mouth of the Sarno River (known in ancient times as the Sarnus).
Today it is some distance inland, but in ancient times it would have been nearer to the coast. Pompeii is about 8 km (5.0 mi) away from Mount Vesuvius. It covered a total of 64 to 67 hectares (170 acres) and was home to approximately 11,000 to 11,500 people on the basis of household counts. It was a major city in the region of Campania.
The town of Pompei is located at the eastern borders of its province, and its urban area is contiguous with Scafati, in the Province of Salerno. It borders also with Torre Annunziata, Castellammare di Stabia, Boscoreale, Santa Maria la Carità and Sant’ Antonio Abate.
CLIMATE
Italy is at its best in spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). During these seasons, the scenery is beautiful, the temperatures are pleasant and there are relatively few crowds.
Spring brings the best weather to Pompeii. In March, April and May, the high temperatures reach between 60 and 70 degrees F during the day. Pompeii’s rainy season is over by March, and temperatures are cool enough that you won’t break much of a sweat while touring the ruins. Summers in Pompeii can get steamy.
In June, July and August, the daily high runs between 80 and 90 degrees. The beginning of the fall can still be a busy time in the city, but traveling to Pompeii in November typically helps you avoid crowds and save money on airfare and accommodations, because November is the start of the off-season.
Winter temperatures in Pompeii drop down into the 50s during the day. While the fall’s rains tend to dry up, winters in Pompeii see an increase in wind, which can further chill you as you tour the ruins.
TRANSPORTATION
Pompeii is served by the motorway A3 at the exits of Pompeii-Scafati, Pompeii Ovest (close to the ruins of Villa of the Mysteries) and also Castellammare di Stabia. It is crossed by the national roads SS 18 and SS 145.
On the Naples-Salerno line, owned by FS, is situated the main railway station and a little stop named Pompeii Scavi, closed in the 1970s. Onto two lines owned by the SFSM – Circumvesuviana, Pompeii counts a total of 4 stations. Pompeii Santuario (P. Sanctuary, in the middle of the town) and Pompeii Valle (close to Pompeii) lies on the Torre Annunziata-Pompeii-Poggiomarino line.
Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri (serving the Villa of the Mysteries) and Moregine lie on the Naples-Torre Annunziata-Castellammare-Sorrento line.
WHAT TO SEE
The Amphitheatre and the Great Palaestra
Just southeast of the Casa della Venere in Conchiglia, gladiatorial battles thrilled up to 20,000 spectators at the grassy Amphitheatre. Built in 70 BC, it’s the oldest known Roman amphitheater in existence.
Over the way, lithe ancients kept fit at the Grande Palestra, an athletics field with an impressive portico dating to the Augustan period. At its center, and closed off to public access, lie the remains of a swimming pool.
House of the Vettii
This is believed to have been the home of two brothers who were freed slaves and became very affluent.
It contains many frescoes. In the vestibule there is a striking fresco of a well-endowed Priapus, God of Fertility and among the frescos in other parts of the building are illustrations of couples making love, of cupids and of mythological characters. This house has been closed to the general public for the last 10 years.
House of the Faun
From the Grande Palestra, backtrack to Via Stabiana to view some of Pompeii’s grandest houses. Turn left into Via della Fortuna and then right down Via del Labirinto to get to Vicolo Del Mercurio and the entrance to Casa Del Fauno (House of the Faun), Pompeii’s largest private house.
Covering an entire insula (city block) and boasting two atria at its front end (humbler homes had one), it is named after the delicate bronze statue in the impluvium (rain tank). It was here that early excavators found Pompeii’s greatest mosaics, most of which are now in Naples’ Museo Archeologico Nazionale. Valuable on-site remainders include a beautiful, geometrically patterned marble floor.
Forum
Forum. This was the center of public life, although it is now to the southwest of the excavated area.
It was surrounded by many of the important government, religious and business buildings.
Temple of Apollo
This is to the north of the Basilica on the western side of the Forum.
It has the oldest remains discovered, with some, including Etruscan items, dating back to 575BC, although the layout we see now was later than that.
Basilica Pompeii
This is to the west of the Forum. It was the most important public building of the city where both justices were administered and trade was carried on.
Villa dei Misteri
From the Casa del Fauna, follow the road west and turn right into Via Consolare, which takes you out of the town through Porta Ercolano. Continue past Villa di Diomede and you’ll come to the 90-room Villa dei Misteri, one of the most complete structures left standing in Pompeii.
The Dionysian frieze, the most important fresco still on site, spans the walls of the large dining room.
One of the largest paintings from the ancient world, it depicts the initiation of a bride-to-be into the cult of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. A farm for much of its life, the villa’s own vino-making area is still visible at the northern end.
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