Pompeii Daily Life Frozen in Time (Podcast)

Описание: The Location of Pompeii



The ancient city of Pompeii was located near the coast of Italy in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. It was a thriving Roman settlement that sat about 150 miles south of Rome. People lived there for centuries because the volcanic soil was very fertile for growing food. The city was surrounded by defensive walls and had busy streets paved with large stones. Its position near the sea made it an important center for trade and travel in the region.



The Terrible Eruption



In the year 79 AD the volcano known as Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted with massive force. A huge cloud of ash and hot gas shot miles into the air and blocked out the sun. Thick layers of pumice stone began to fall on the houses and streets below. Most people tried to escape the city but many were trapped by the falling debris and toxic fumes. The entire city was eventually buried under a layer of ash that was over 15 feet deep.



Rediscovering the City



Pompeii remained hidden and forgotten under the earth for nearly 1700 years. It was only rediscovered by accident in the 18th century during construction work. Archaeologists were amazed to find that the ash had preserved everything exactly as it was. Buildings and objects were protected from the air and moisture for a very long time. This discovery allowed historians to see a complete snapshot of Roman life from the past.



Typical Roman Houses



Most wealthy people in Pompeii lived in large houses with open courtyards called atriums. These homes often had beautiful paintings on the walls and colorful tile floors. The windows were usually small to keep the heat out during the hot summer months. Simple furniture like wooden beds and bronze lamps filled the various rooms. Poorer citizens lived in smaller apartments or rooms located above their shops and businesses.



Food and Dining



The people of Pompeii ate a variety of foods including bread and olives and fruit. Local bakeries produced many loaves of bread every day in large stone ovens. Fish was a common part of the diet because the city was located so close to the water. Wealthy citizens enjoyed long dinners while reclining on special couches in their dining rooms. Most families used basic pottery bowls and glass cups to serve their daily meals.



Work and Business



The streets of Pompeii were filled with many different types of shops and workshops. Merchants sold goods like wool and spices and wine to the local residents. Fulleries were common places where workers cleaned and dyed clothes using special techniques. Many people worked as craftsmen making jewelry or tools out of iron and bronze. The central marketplace was always a busy area where people gathered to trade and talk.