The ancient Roman city ― Pompeii

by Yui Fujisawa
(Kanagawa-ken)

Do you know the ancient Roman city of Pompeii? Today, I want to talk about this city.

In the south of Italy, facing the Bay of Naples, Pompeii has beautiful coastlines, and is sandwiched between Mount Vesuvius. In its golden age, about 10,000 to 20,000 people were living, baking bread, and drinking wine.

However, on August 24, 79 AD, the situation was changed ― a large-scale eruption of Mount Vesuvius happened. By the eruption, the city Pompeii was buried under volcanic ash and rocks. Since then, for a very long time, the presence of Pompeii has been forgotten in the world.

In the 16th century, the presence of some remains was suggested by a farmer, and in the 18th century, large-scale excavation research was taken and Pompeii was discovered. Because Pompeii was buried by volcanic ash and rocks in an instant, daily necessities and works of art were preserved.

Moreover, bodies of people who failed to get out were decayed in volcanic ashes and were made hollow. By pouring gypsum into them, the figures were reproduced.

I think that it is amazing that an ancient Roman city remains, not changing from what it used to be.

I have never been to Italy, but I want to visit Pompeii someday!:D