My Little Space: A uniquely preserved civilization in Italy- Pompeii & Herculaneum

Not very far from the popular city of Naples in Italy is an archeological park that preserves a unique model of Roman civilization spread across the ancient towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The archeological site of Pompeii in Naples, Italy

Buried by the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. and recovered centuries later, this civilization gives a clear picture of everyday life during ancient Roman times.

As not much information can be gathered from each exhibit on-site, it is very important to know some details of ancient Roman history before visiting the archeological site. Thereby, it is interesting to notice a Greek influence as well in these vast spreads of relics. Constructed mainly using white marble, and hence different from the buildings in the town of Herculaneum, the buildings of Pompeii stand impressively steady and upright against Mount Vesuvius in the background.

Admiring the town plan of Pompeii, with Mount Vesuvius in the background

Though the remains in Herculaneum are far more preserved than in Pompeii, the latter has become more popular with time mainly due to the exhibits of preserved corpses as casts. The bodies that were buried in Pompeii under the ashfall were mostly filled later with casts on the decayed cavities.

A cast corpse and its last activity that conveys more than in words

The unearthed pottery used by middle-class people is clear evidence of advanced infrastructure and intelligence. The streets are cleverly planned with homes, and public sinks and baths every now and then. One would really appreciate the effect of the ashfall on the whole town that preserved this unique marvel in every sense. At the same time, seeing the different postures of the cast corpses is disturbing to picture their last activity before being buried and completely frozen in time.