Pompeii

Pompeii could be best described as a "lost city." For thousands of years it lay under layers of ash and molten lava. In 1878, excavations started that uncovered an amphitheater, several houses, and over 2,000 victims. Remarkably, the ruins of the city have been preserved almost perfectly. Tourists can now walk through the streets, look at the Gates of the city, and see the bodies of great gladiators.

Surprisingly, Pompeii was no more than a typical tow, in its day. Nomadic tribes seeking a place to settle at started Pompeii. From the small tribal village grew a large city. The city was an oval about 2 miles around. It contained 90-degree angle streets, theaters, and forums just like any other Roman city. What attracted ancient Romans to Pompeii was its beautiful scenery. Blue skies were seen throughout the day in Pompeii. Because of this many wealthy Romans built villas here. Pompeii eventually became a wealthy town through trading. Merchants traded wines, fish, breads, and oils. Because it was a port city, it had a diverse mix of social classes including slaves, artisans, merchants, and wealthy landowners.

The demise of Pompeii began with an earthquake in 63ad. As the inhabitants began to rebuild, Mt. Vesuvius (a volcano near Pompeii) erupted. The city was buried with ash and the people in it were killed. Today, the people can be seen in the form of molds, including the expressions of agony on their faces. So Pompeii, once a "lost city", lives again with the sound of tourists.

Andrew