Everyone knows the story of Pompeii, right? Pompeii was an ancient Roman town, believed to be founded in the 7th or 6th century BC, located near Naples. The town was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius at 1pm, 24th August of 79 AD, buried by the ash. They believe the time and date to be accurate as a surviving letter from a boy called 'Pliny' provided evidence. He saw the eruption from a distance and described in the letter the death of his uncle who tried to rescue citizens.
But, did you know, that Pompeii was only rediscovered in 1599? Fancy that, after all that time. There is also a modern town of Pompei existing nearby but it is spelt with one i (Pompei) rather than the two of the ancient town (Pompeii).
My trip to Pompeii was dampened by torrential rain but the tour went ahead regardless. My shoes are still drying out while I write this blog from Rome.
Gladiator Arena
The Rodeo Drive of Pompeii
The most amusing section of the ancient ruins was that of the 'red light' district. The archeologists could tell it was for prostitution as there were five bedrooms on the ground floor (not usual for a home). All had stone beds and they believe a mattress would have been placed on top. And then there was the give away ancient 'art'. Never fear if you were a foreigner who didn't understand the language. Just point to the position you liked and away you go! Apparently, up until a few years ago, women weren't allowed in this section as it was too naughty.
On the road towards the district, there was a stone carved in the shape of a penis which 'pointed' the way to the brothels. I couldn't get a photo of that - it was a bit crowded with other photographers.
Ancient art
We also saw a number of 'petrified' figures displayed, although the guide advised that the term petrified is incorrect. The bodies were not petrified, rather the ash and pumice formed around the bodies which later decayed. This left a type of mould of which was used to create the cast of the bodies.
The large theatre
'Petrified' body
I'm sure there was a lot more to see in Pompeii but with the usual time restrictions of a tour and the pouring rain it was time to continue to Rome.