Monday, April 21, 2008

Visit to Pompeii


As most of you know who watch the History Channel, Pompeii was destroyed and buried 30 feet deep by hot volcanic ash from an eruption of nearby Mt. Vesuvius at 1:00 p.m. on August 24, 79 A.D.

Pompeii was rediscovered in the 1600's and excavation that continues to this day started in 1748. It is a must see sight on your visit to "The Boot".

A Beautiful Courtyard

This was the Gladiator's Quarters and Courtyard

Another Private Courtyard

At the Amphitheatre that held Gladiator Battles

With 20,000 seats, every citizen of Pompeii could have a seat.

How did these frescoes survive the blast?

One of the eerie plaster casts of a pregnant woman who was a victim of Mt. Vesuvius' anger.

The Pompeii Forum

This was actually one of many, many fast food restaurants in Pompeii.

The holes are where food pots were held and kept warm for the patrons to purchase.

What the...

This mural is located in the entryway to the House of the Vetti.

According to Rick Steves, it was the bachelor pad of two wealthy merchant brothers. This fresco, he further states, is of a penis and a sack of money balancing each other on a goldsmith scale. The meaning: Only with a balance of fertility and money can you have abundance.

O.K., if Rick says so, it MUST be true.
 

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