Pompeii Travellers

Pompeii and Herculaneum are two ruined Roman towns near the modern day city of Naples. Today, this region that was affected by Mt. Vesuvius, is one of Italy’s top tourist attractions and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the days prior to August 24, 79 AD, these towns looked like any other bustling, flourishing city. Citizens were going about their business, visiting neighbors, going to the local markets, enjoying the public baths and the wealthy were relaxing in the gardens of their villas. These activities of daily life were forcefully put to a sudden end by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius on the afternoon of August 24, 79 AD; completely and tragically engulfing the two towns.

The catastrophic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius sent such a thick, fiery cloud of gas and pumice into the air that it completely blocked out the sunlight. Pompeii was buried under 20 feet of volcanic ash, debris and mud. This mud found its way into every nook and cranny of every house, building, and item preserving them all in an airtight tomb and preserving them exactly as they were on that fateful day.

Over time, these towns were forgotten. Almost nothing was seen of Pompeii or Herculaneum for more than 1500 years until its accidental rediscovery by an architect who was digging a new course for the River Sarno. This architect never realized that he had unearthed part of ancient Pompeii and never pursued an investigation or excavation of the site. Simple excavations began in the 18th century with Giuseppe Fiorelli, who developed a method of injecting liquid plaster into the open areas left by the victim’s bodies to perfectly reconstruct them as they looked when they were buried alive. You will see several of these plaster casts around the site of Pompeii, in the buildings where the victims died. Serious excavations did not begin until the 1920s. At this point excavators began finding signs of intact buildings and wall art. Visitors today can get an extraordinary look at and feel for the lives of the residents of these two towns during the pinnacle of the Roman Empire.

Pompeii

Pompeii was a large, wealthy commercial town. In 79 AD it had a population of between 10,000 to 20,000 people and it covered about 160 acres. The town was laid out in a grid like pattern with two main streets that intersected. Today you can walk on the stone streets with its huge raised stepping stones positioned at crossings so the townspeople could keep their feet clean and dry from the garbage and rainwater that flowed below.

Of interest, you will likely see some graffiti on the walls in Pompeii. Some 15,000 pieces of graffiti were found in the town of Pompeii, including two that declare “What is the use of having a Venus if she’s made of marble?” and “I’ve wet my bed. My sin I bare. But why? You ask. No pot was anywhere.”

Main Sites and Buildings at the Excavation of Pompeii

Basilica This was the site of the law court and the economic center of the city.

Forum Public meeting spot where elections were held as well as the site where speeches and official announcements were made.

Casa del Fauno (House of the Faun)– Here you will find copies of wonderful mosaics that were unearthed. The originals are now located in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples (see note below).

Casa del Poeta Tragico (House of the Tragic Poet)- A typical middle-class house. Here you will find the well known floor mosaic of a chained dog with the inscription “Cave Canem” (Beware of the Dog).

Porta Ercolano (Gate to Herculaneum)- Beautiful main gate that led to neighboring Herculaneum and Naples.

Villa dei Misteri (Villa of the Mysteries)- This villa contains what many consider to be the greatest surviving group of paintings from the ancient world. They tell the story of a bride being initiated into the mysteries of the cult of Dionysus.

Casa dei Vettii (House of the Vetti)- The best example of a rich merchant’s home. It has been restored with many brightly colored murals.

Casa degli Amorini Dorati (House of the Gilded Cupids)- A grand, well-preserved home with the original garden decorations made of marble.

Lupanare This brothel still shows paintings of erotic activities in which clients could partake in.

Terme Stabiane (Stabian Baths)- These baths were heated by underground furnaces that circulated heat among the stone pillars supporting the floor.

Anfiteatro This impressive structure was once used for Olympic games, gladiator games and chariot races.

While in the region, you might consider a visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples, which displays many beautiful mosaics, statuary and household objects unearthed in Pompeii and Herculaneum. There is also an entire 300 foot wide, perfect condition fresco which was discovered in 1765 at the Temple of Isis in Pompeii. Pompeii is 15 miles southeast of Naples.

You will need a minimum of two hours to visit Pompeii, however many people enjoy three or four hours. There are guards throughout the sites in the important buildings who will open gates for you and explain the site. They do expect a tip for their services. You can also hire a private guide at the entrance of the sites.

Links: Shore Trips in Pompeii
Pompeii Limousine Service

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Herculaneum and Pompeii are two ruined Roman towns near the modern day city of Naples. Today, this region that was affected by Mt. Vesuvius, is one of Italy’s top tourist attractions and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the days prior to August 24, 79 AD, these towns looked like any other bustling, flourishing city. Citizens were going about their business, visiting neighbors, going to the local markets, enjoying the public baths and the wealthy were relaxing in the gardens of their villas. These activities of daily life were forcefully put to a sudden end by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius on the afternoon of August 24, 79 AD; completely and tragically engulfing the two towns.
The catastrophic eruption of Mt. Vesuvius sent such a thick, fiery cloud of gas and pumice into the air that it completely blocked out the sunlight. Herculaneum was lost under a 45 foot blanket of volcanic mud. This mud found its way into every nook and cranny of every house, building, and item preserving them all in an airtight tomb and preserving them exactly as they were on that fateful day.

Over time, these towns were forgotten. Almost nothing was seen of Pompeii or Herculaneum for more than 1500 years until its accidental rediscovery by an architect who was digging a new course for the River Sarno. This architect never realized that he had unearthed part of ancient Pompeii and never pursued an investigation or excavation of the site. Simple excavations began in the 18th century with Giuseppe Fiorelli, who developed a method of injecting liquid plaster into the open areas left by the victim’s bodies to perfectly reconstruct them as they looked when they were buried alive. Serious excavations did not begin until the 1920s. At this point excavators began finding signs of intact buildings and wall art. Visitors today can get an extraordinary look at and feel for the lives of the residents of these two towns during the pinnacle of the Roman Empire.

Herculaneum

The holiday resort town of Herculaneum (located just five miles west of Mt. Vesuvius) had about 5,000 inhabitants when it was destroyed; many of whom were fishermen, craftsmen and artists. A lucky few patricians owned villas overlooking the sea. Even though less than half of Herculaneum has been excavated, it is considered to be better-preserved than Pompeii, with its original wooden beams, staircases and furniture.

Main Sites and Buildings at the Excavation of Herculaneum

Casa del Atrio Mosaico (House of the Mosaic Atrium)- Fine decorations and a concrete floor done in black and white checkerboard.

Casa del Nettuno ed Anfitrite (House of Neptune and Amphitrite)- Home with a bright mosaic on the wall of the grotto with a fountain. In the vicinity of this house you will also see a well preserved wine shop where amphorae still resting on carbonized wooden shelves.

Casa del Tramezzo di Legno (House of the Wooden Partition)- Considered to be one of the best preserved houses in Herculaneum. Here you will find a carbonized wooden partition with three doors.

Terme (The Public Baths)- Contains separate “locker rooms” for men and women, benches, basins and the hot, warm and cold rooms decorated with mosaics

Casa del Bicentenario (House of the Bicentenary)- A patrician home with small rooms on the top floor and a cross fixed in the wall.

Theatre With 2,500 seats.

Because so few skeletons were found within the town, it was originally believed that most of the people of Herculaneum escaped the wrath of Vesuvius. More recent excavations at the gate of Porta Marina have shown that most lost their lives here, as they attempted to leave by boat.

While in the region, be sure to visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples, which displays many beautiful mosaics, statuary and household objects unearthed in Herculaneum and Pompeii. Herculaneum is 6 miles south of Naples.

If you would like, you can also visit the summit of Mt. Vesuvius, whose name is synonymous with death and destruction. From here you can walk the crater while appreciating the power it unleashed on these two towns as well as enjoying a splendid panorama of the area. However, approach at your own risk, as scientists believe that it will erupt again one day!

You will need a minimum of two hours to visit Herculaneum. There are guards throughout the site in the important buildings who will open gates for you and explain the site. They do expect a tip for their services. You can also hire a private guide at the entrance of the sites.

Links: Shore Trips in Herculaneum
Sorrento Limousine Service

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Campaign slogans and two signet rings tell us that this domus belonged to the Vettii, wealthy freedmen: renovated in the 1st cent. AD, it centers around the peristyle. The paintings at the entrance highlight wishes of prosperity in cursive style: especially noticeable is the figure of Priapus, god of fertility, resting his enormous member on the plate of a scale, counterweighted by a bag of money. To the right of the entrance is the lararium, an aedicula whose back wall was painted with lares and the genius of the homeowner engaged in sacrifice; below, the snake agathodemone, a benevolent idol. The kitchen hearth has a grate and pots: here was found the statue-fountain of Priapus, belonging to the garden, where other statues and decorative fountains were arranged in a richly scenic context. The ‘fourth style’ atrium is also very elegant, such as the compluvium with its terra-cotta gutters. The sitting room is famous for its panels in ‘Pompeii red’, and for the frieze with cherubs engaged in trades and games. The ‘fourth style’ walls with mythological paintings transform the living room into a sort of art gallery, increasing the cultural image of the owner.

About Pompeii
This is a must… if you are arriving into the area of Naples or amalfi coast then you must place a tick on your agenda to get to see Pompeii it’s so important
Because it covers 2000 years of history and you can actually walk through the ruins and imagine being there 2000 years ago,
Pompeii itself to enjoy a Pompeii tour a little description on the area
Pompeii was buried in one of the most disastrous volcanic eruptions in history.
The ruins of the dead city are deeply moving, for the Romans seen still to people it in the deep silence.
The centre of the modern town is the shrine of the Madonna del Rosario, an interesting basilica of the 19th century, which has become an important pilgrimage centre. On the left of the sanctuary there is the small Vesuvious Museum, where you can see samples of the volcanic matter ejected from Vesuvious with lithographs and photographs tracing the various eruptions and scenes from the life of ancient Pompeii. From the bell-tower there is a splendid view of the dead city.
The eruption of Vesuvious destroyed also Herculaneum and Stabiae in August 79. The younger Pliny, watched the cataclysm from Cape Miseno and give a description of the scene which has become classic. Pompeii was rediscovered at the end of the 16th century by the architect Fontana; however it was only in 1748 that systematic excavation began. Here the works have been less arduous than in Herculaneum as the volcanic matter was not so deep.

The Pompeian House
There are several types of dwellings in Pompeii. Very particular is the type of house inspired by Greek designs richly decorated with a larger number of rooms. The roman dwellings are instead more limited but they have more refinement in garden lay-out.

Shore Trips in Italy Related Links:
Pompeii Limousine Service

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We have lots of information on Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello - Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Naples, so please choose a link and browse the site ItalyLimousine for as long as you wish.

From the ports of Naples, Sorrento & Amalfi

Your complete archaeological excursion with a private car and driver excursion trained from the port of Naples.
You will be met by your Italy private tours limousine chauffeur english speaking to take you to the three main archaeological attractions from the port of Naples
Remember the time you have from the arrival into the port until, your return back to the port the best way to see all three areas is with us.
We will make sure with ease and comfort you get to see all three areas Pompeii. Herculaneum and Vesuvious

Just a brief outline of what to expect from you excursion and of course for more information contact our qualified port excursion consultants always ready 24hrs a day.

With our private shore excursion form the port of Naples, Sorrento or Amalfi we will take you to the three main sites that represent the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius.
By using us your exclusive ItalyTraveller limousine service you have the opportunity to have the exclusive english speaking chauffeur who will drive you along the areas taking you directly to the destination, which otherwise would be difficult to arrive, and allowing time to visit all 3 areas.

An idea of what you will see with Italy Port Shore Excursions
Your limousine car service will allow you to explore the following areas

MOUNT VESUVIOUS
Since then, Vesuvius has erupted about three dozen times. View the crater of Vesuvius, 1281 meters above sea level, by walking for approximately 45 minutes up the steep mount, as the road for vehicles terminates half way up this climb.

POMPEII
The ancient Roman city of Pompeii was destroyed and buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D, preserving it forever exactly how it was when the eruption occurred. Your private local licensed Pompeii guide will take you on a fascinating tour through this once thriving empire of nearly 20,000 inhabitants that was completely covered in 30 feet of volcanic ash. Take in the baths, villas, theatres and wrestling grounds.

HERCULANEUM
is an ancient residential town of Greek origins, a smaller town with a wealthier population at the time of the eruption. Covered by a torrent of mud rather than ash, the ruins are in some ways even better-preserved, and the site offers a variety of beautiful scenery and invaluable arts. Embark on a walking tour through the villas with portico gardens, fountains and baths, and admire the wall frescoes and floor mosaics. Excavations of Herculaneum began by accident in 1709 when some workers, digging a well, discovered a wall which was later found to be one of the stages of the ancient theatre. Later, there were many human skeletons uncovered at the ancient shoreline, suggesting that numerous inhabitants attempted to escape but perished when mountains collapsed and volcanic gases were released.

With Italy private port shore excursion we make sure that your day is informative and that your day is enjoyable and comfortable.

For the above Excursion we suggest good walking shoes and comfortable dress.
Also for further information any questions that you wish to be answered please contact us directly on our 24 hr service.

About Herculaneum
This smaller part of the eruption is sometime forgotten but archaeologist find it to be much more of importance firstly the ruins are so preserved that even the loaf of bread has managed to survive these 2000 year of life

When Vesuvius erupted on 24 August 79 AD it engulfed the two flourishing Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as the many rich villas in the area. Since the mid 18th century these have been progressively uncovered and made accessible to the public.
The vast expanse of the commercial town of Pompeii contrasts with the restricted but better preserved remains of the holiday resort of Herculaneum, whilst the superb wall paintings of the Villa Oplontis at Torre Annunziata give a vivid impression of the opulent life-style of the wealthier citizens of the early Roman Empire.
It’s an old city near the Vesuvious descents. In 79 a.C. was totally covered by lava; later discovered again by Grecian, and dedicated to ercole in 1709. The excavations were inordinate and still today uncompleted, but we could admire a theatre and some thermal baths.

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Pompeii - Herculaneum Excursion Limousine Service

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We have lots of information on Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello - Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Naples, so please choose a link and browse the site ItalyLimousine for as long as you wish.

Ground Excursions

From all the various areas of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrentine Peninsula & Naples
Why not decide upon a day’s excursion around the vast and wonderful area that
We can offer you and your group whether 2 people a family group of 6 upwards
A great day enjoying an informative and relaxing day with our highly trained
Drivers all english speaking.

Here are some of the areas we have to offer also for more information contact our Naples Office directly that are open everyday 24 hours to allow you access to all the information and Questions to help you decide upon the right Excursion Tour.
Below are some guidelines on Excursion that we offer but please remember that we work for You so each Excursion is fitted for your requirements, Flexibility is very important so this Is why our Amalfi Coast & Naples team are trained to make this all possible.

Excursion Amalfi Coast
Options in this area you have a variety of areas
1. Excursion Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi & Ravello
One can fit in all in a day also depending where your departure point is

Another excursion option
2. Pompeii, Vesuvious and Herculaneum
3. Naples Archaeological Museum & Herculaneum & Naples

Another area to Consider
4. Paestum the famous Greek ruins

Also for further information any questions that you wish to be answered please contact us directly on our 24 hr service.

From the ports of Naples, Sorrento & Amalfi

Your complete archaeological excursion with a private car and driver excursion trained from the port of Naples.
You will be met by your Italy private tours limousine chauffeur english speaking to take you to the three main archaeological attractions from the port of Naples
Remember the time you have from the arrival into the port until, your return back to the port the best way to see all three areas is with us.
We will make sure with ease and comfort you get to see all three areas Pompeii. Herculaneum and Vesuvious

Just a brief outline of what to expect from you excursion and of course for more information contact our qualified port excursion consultants always ready 24hrs a day.

With our private shore excursion form the port of Naples, Sorrento or Amalfi we will take you to the three main sites that represent the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius.
By using us your exclusive ItalyTraveller limousine service you have the opportunity to have the exclusive english speaking chauffeur who will drive you along the areas taking you directly to the destination, which otherwise would be difficult to arrive, and allowing time to visit all 3 areas.

An idea of what you will see with Italy Port Shore Excursions
Your limousine car service will allow you to explore the following areas

MOUNT VESUVIOUS
Since then, Vesuvius has erupted about three dozen times. View the crater of Vesuvius, 1281 meters above sea level, by walking for approximately 45 minutes up the steep mount, as the road for vehicles terminates half way up this climb.

POMPEII
The ancient Roman city of Pompeii was destroyed and buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D, preserving it forever exactly how it was when the eruption occurred. Your private local licensed Pompeii guide will take you on a fascinating tour through this once thriving empire of nearly 20,000 inhabitants that was completely covered in 30 feet of volcanic ash. Take in the baths, villas, theatres and wrestling grounds.

HERCULANEUM
is an ancient residential town of Greek origins, a smaller town with a wealthier population at the time of the eruption. Covered by a torrent of mud rather than ash, the ruins are in some ways even better-preserved, and the site offers a variety of beautiful scenery and invaluable arts. Embark on a walking tour through the villas with portico gardens, fountains and baths, and admire the wall frescoes and floor mosaics. Excavations of Herculaneum began by accident in 1709 when some workers, digging a well, discovered a wall which was later found to be one of the stages of the ancient theatre. Later, there were many human skeletons uncovered at the ancient shoreline, suggesting that numerous inhabitants attempted to escape but perished when mountains collapsed and volcanic gases were released.

With Italy private port shore excursion we make sure that your day is informative and that your day is enjoyable and comfortable.

For the above Excursion we suggest good walking shoes and comfortable dress.
Also for further information any questions that you wish to be answered please contact us directly on our 24 hr service.

Pompeii

Majestic and menacing, Vesuvius still dominates the Neapolitan landscape. From the Eighteenth century onwards travellers have been prepared to tackle the climb up to the top in order to admire the panorama and look down into the crater. There is no better starting point to begin a journey through the history and culture of Campania.
A journey which takes us back in time, as far as that 24th of August in 79 A.D. when Vesuvius ‘put on a show’ with a devastating eruption which buried Pompeii, Herculaneum and Oplontis.
The rediscovery of the places that were victims of the wrath of the volcano came about almost by chance. In 1709 the prince d’Elboeuf, was having a well dug in his Vesuvian residence, when he came upon the remains of the theatre of Herculaneum. From then on, researches were made which brought to light an archaeological, artistic and historical heritage of inestimable value, which every year draws millions of visitors.

Pompeii
Being an important commercial centre in Campania felix, played a strategic role in the redistribution of goods between Rome, the inland cities and the ports on the Mediterranean. The life of the city centred around the Forum. Still today one can admire the remains of the Basilica, seat of justice and chamber of commerce, religious buildings and the Macellum, site of the marketplace. From the main square streets lead off to the ancient city, revealing majestic houses, such as the House of the Faun and the House of the Vettii, with their splendid frescoes. The shops in via dell’Abbondanza, offer a lively impression of everyday life two thousands years ago. From here we carry on to the Stabian Baths, the oldest public baths in Pompeii, ending up at the massively impressive Amphitheatre, where even today, as in the Large Theatre, there are concerts and theatrical productions.
Just outside the city, stands the Villa of the Mysteries, the most ‘enigmatic’ monument in Pompeii, with its grand fresco celebrating the mysterious cult of Dionysus.
In summer the ruins can also be visited at night. ‘Suggestioni al foro’ is a theatrical production which, through sounds and voices echoing around the temples and houses, recreates the atmosphere of the ‘lost’ city. The visit ends with a multimedia show which reconstructs the dramatic phases of the eruption with special effects and filmed images.