Pompeii Before the Ash

Overview

Pompeii in 79 AD was a thriving Roman city -- prosperous, cosmopolitan, and bustling with commerce. This scene captures a moment of daily life just before Mount Vesuvius erupted, preserving the city under layers of volcanic ash for nearly two millennia.

Historical Context

Pompeii was a wealthy Roman city in the Bay of Naples region. On August 24, 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted catastrophically, burying Pompeii and nearby Herculaneum. The preservation of the city has given us unparalleled insight into Roman daily life.

What to Notice

• Mount Vesuvius looming in the background, deceptively peaceful.
• The bustling market life and commerce of a Roman city.
• Detailed frescoed walls -- a hallmark of Pompeian decoration.
• The stone-paved streets with raised crosswalks.