Frescoes in the Villa dei Misteri at Pompeii are among the most notable that survived the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Though their purpose has been hotly debated, informational literature provided at Pompeii stated that they were likely used to instruct young women about to be married.
My first view of the ruins of Pompeii did not inspire awe or wonderment. Instead, and quite unexpectedly, I was perplexed. A few days earlier I had visited Herculaneum, the ancient Roman ruins that lay at the bottom of a 60-foot deep excavated pit. The same eruption of Mount Vesuvius that buried Herculaneum in A.D. … Read more
The Forum in Pompeii, Italy, was a large market area surrounded by the most important buildings in the town. Shown in the foreground are remains of the travertine paving that once covered the entire square. Mount Vesuvius, which erupted in 79 AD and buried Pompeii in ash, is seen looming in the background.
Built between 120 and 78 BCE, the Basilica at Pompeii is the oldest and one of the most important buildings in the ancient town. Here, groups gathered to discuss business, mete out justice, and deal with legal matters.
Ruins of large bakery at Pompeii, Italy, showing remains of exterior wall and street leading up to the shop. Inside the shop stand a row of well-preserved millstones and the oven. Rooms next to the oven were used as a granary and for storage of the newly baked bread.
