Pompeii Ancient City, Know all about Pompeii Ruins & Artwork

Pompeii was an ancient Roman city in Italy’s Campania region, near the Bay of Naples. Once a bustling city with about 11,000 residents, it was located at the base of Mount Vesuvius, a volcano known for its occasional eruptions.

On August 24, 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius burst violently, releasing a deadly mix of ash, pumice, and toxic gases. The eruption sent a massive cloud of debris soaring about 20 miles (32 kilometers) into the sky. Ash and pumice fell on Pompeii, burying the city and nearby areas under layers up to 20 feet (6 meters) deep.

The eruption was sudden, catching the people of Pompeii off guard. Many couldn’t escape in this time, and the city was quickly covered by ash and volcanic gases. This thick layer of rubble preserved Pompeii and its people, capturing a moment in history frozen in time.

Established: Tracing its roots back to the 7th–6th century BC, Pompeii boasts a rich and ancient history.
Administrative Division: Falling within the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan City of Naples.
Precise Position: Nestled at coordinates 40°45′0″N 14°29′10″E / 40.75000°N 14.48611°E, Pompeii occupies a strategic location.
Area Size: Pompeii spans an area ranging from 64 to 67 hectares (approximately 170 acres), offering ample space for exploration and discovery.
Location: Situated in Pompei, within the captivating Metropolitan City of Naples, Campania, Italy.

Historical Significance

Pompeii is one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the world. Buried under volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, the city offers a unique snapshot of Roman life almost 2,000 years ago.

Archaeological Wonders

The ruins of Pompeii include well-preserved buildings, frescoes, mosaics, and artifacts. You can explore houses, temples, baths, and even an amphitheater, providing a deep insight into ancient Roman architecture and daily life.

Pompeii Visit Timing

April via October: 09:00 am – 7:00 pm (last entry at 05:30 pm)

November via March: 09:00 am – 05:00 am (last entry at 03:30 pm)

Closed: 25 December 2024, 1 January 2025

Pompeii Location

Pompeii Ancient City is located near the modern-day city of Naples in Italy, in the Campania region. It is situated about 14 miles (23 kilometers) southeast of Naples. The archaeological site of Pompeii can be easily accessed by various means of transportation, including trains, buses, and private tours. Visitors often start their tours from the entrance near the Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri train station, which provides convenient access to the ancient city’s ruins.

Pompeii Ticket Prices

Right now, a pompeii ruins tickets for adults costs €16. But starting in January 2023, it will go up to €18. If you’re an EU citizen aged 18 to 25, Visitors can get a reduced ticket for just €2. This ticket lets visitors visit Pompeii and Villa Regina. Remember, each month on the first Sunday, visitors can get in for free! But make sure to grab their ticket fast because they run out quickly while visiting.

Best Sites to see in Pompeii Ancient City

Pompeii lay buried and forgotten for centuries until its rediscovery in the 18th century. Excavations began in the mid-18th century and have continued to the present day, revealing a remarkably well-preserved snapshot of ancient Roman life.

The excavations have unearthed an extensive array of buildings, including houses, temples, baths, theaters, and marketplaces. The city’s streets, with their well-preserved paving stones and cart ruts, offer a glimpse into the daily life of Pompeii’s inhabitants. Graffiti, artwork, and inscriptions provide further insights into the culture and society of ancient Rome.

The plaster casts of Pompeii’s victims, made by pouring plaster into cavities left by decomposed bodies, offer a poignant reminder of the human tragedy that unfolded during the eruption. These casts capture the final moments of Pompeii’s residents, frozen in time for posterity.

1. Big Theater and Small Theater (VIII – 10)
Pompeii’s two theaters are nearby. The Big Theater is where they did big shows like plays. The Small Theater was for poetry and music, it’s covered for good sound. Stand in the middle and talk, your voice gets louder!

2. Garden of the Escapers (I- 16)
The Garden of the Escapers was once homes but turned into vineyards as Pompeii grew. It’s named after 13 people who tried to run away during the eruption in 79 AD. Their bodies were found later and preserved in plaster.

3. Arena (II – 5)
Built in 70 BC, Pompeii’s Arena is really old but still looks great. People came here for sports and to watch fights. It had three parts for rich people, middle-class, and everyone else.

4. Giulia Felice’s Big House (II – 3)
Giulia Felice’s Big House is from the 1st century BC. It’s one of the first houses found during digging. The owner, Giulia Felice, advertised it for rent after an earthquake. Inside, it’s fancy with lots of decorations.

5. Brothel (VII – 18)
The brothel is a famous spot in Pompeii. It had two floors with small rooms. Each room had a bed and a picture on the wall. You can still find it easily by following the special pictures on the ground.

6. House of the Satyr (VI – 1)
The House of the Satyr is huge, about 3,000 square meters. It had places for the owners and for workers. There’s a statue of a satyr inside and lots of art, including a famous mosaic of a battle.

7. House of Secrets (VI – 19)
The House of Secrets was founded in 1909-1910. It was a big mystery! It might have belonged to a powerful family. The house had a special room with strange paintings showing a secret ritual.

8. Main Square (VII – 6a)
Pompeii’s main square is called the Forum. It’s big and important with fancy buildings and temples. People did lots of important stuff here, but no cars were allowed.

9. Big Building (VIII – 2)
The Big Building was like a courthouse in Pompeii. It was really important and had columns. People did business and law stuff here, especially if it was raining.

10. Venus Temple (VIII – 1)
The Venus Temple was built to honor the goddess Venus, who protected Pompeii and sailors. It was a big deal and got fancier over time. There was even a golden lamp inside, but now it’s in a museum.

Story of Pompeii City

Pompeii, a name synonymous with disaster, boasts a story far richer than just its fiery demise. It’s a tale of a thriving city, a testament to Roman life, and a window into the past tragically preserved by catastrophe.

Humble Beginnings (8th Century BC)

Our story starts long before the Roman Empire. The first settlements on the Pompeii site date back to the 8th century BC, established by the Oscan people of central Italy. These early villages eventually merged into a single community, strategically located at a crossroads for trade.

Greek Influence and Roman Rule (6th Century BC – 79 AD)

Around the 6th century BC, the Greeks arrived, bringing their culture and influence. Pompeii absorbed aspects of Greek life, evident in their architecture and even religious practices. However, by the 4th century BC, the tides turned. The Samnites, another Italic people, took control, and under their rule, Pompeii flourished. This period saw significant urban development, with the city walls being built and the layout taking the familiar Roman grid form.

Inevitably, Rome came knocking. By the 2nd century BC, Pompeii fell under Roman control. The city integrated seamlessly into the Roman Republic, adopting Roman customs, language, and architecture. Pompeii became a wealthy resort town, a playground for the Roman elite, with grand villas dotting the outskirts.

A City Frozen in Time (79 AD)

Mount Vesuvius, a seemingly peaceful neighbor, lurked in the shadows. In 79 AD, the unthinkable happened. Vesuvius erupted with unimaginable fury, raining down ash, pumice, and searing hot gas. Pompeii, along with neighboring settlements, was utterly devastated.

The city was buried under a thick layer of volcanic debris. This, however, became an unlikely savior. The ash perfectly encased Pompeii, preserving homes, streets, and even the people caught in the eruption’s path.

Best way to see Pompeii

Plan Your Visit

Time of Year: The best time to visit Pompeii is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October). These months offer pleasant weather, with fewer crowds compared to the summer months.

Time of Day: Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak tourist hours and enjoy a more peaceful visit.

Getting There

From Naples: Take the train from Naples to the Pompeii Scavi-Villa dei Misteri station. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes.

From Sorrento: The same Circumvesuviana line connects Sorrento to Pompeii, with a journey time of around 30 minutes.

By Car: If you’re driving, there’s parking available near the entrance to Pompeii, though spaces can fill up quickly.

Entrance Options

Main Entrance (Porta Marina): The most popular entrance, providing access to key sites like the Forum and the Basilica.

Piazza Anfiteatro Entrance: This entrance is quieter and closer to the Amphitheater and the Garden of the Fugitives.

4. Guided Tours

Official Guided Tour: Consider joining an official guided tour, which can be booked at the entrance. These tours typically last 2-3 hours and provide detailed insights into the history and significance of the site.

Private Tour: For a more personalized experience, hire a private guide. This allows for a customized tour based on your interests.

Audio Guides: Alternatively, audio guides are available for rent at the entrance, offering flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Must-See Highlights

The Forum
Amphitheater
House of the Faun
Garden of the Fugitives
Lupanar
The Baths

How was the city of Pompeii discovered?

The city of Pompeii was rediscovered in a series of events that spanned several centuries, starting as early as the 16th century. Here’s a brief overview of its rediscovery:

Initial Discovery in 1599:

Pompeii was first stumbled upon in 1599 by an architect named Domenico Fontana while he was digging a canal near the Sarno River. During the hole, some ancient walls covered in frescoes were found, but these discoveries were largely ignored and buried again, partly due to concerns over the explicit nature of the artwork.

Official Rediscovery in 1748:

The true rediscovery of Pompeii happened in 1748 when a Spanish military engineer named Rocque Joaquin de Alcubierre began systematic holes in the area. At that time, people were already aware of the nearby buried city of Herculaneum (another city destroyed by Mount Vesuvius), so the digging in Pompeii was part of a broader effort to uncover ancient Roman ruins.

During these holes, workers uncovered parts of buildings, statues, and everyday items. As the layers of volcanic ash and debris were removed, the extent of the city’s preservation became apparent. Unlike Herculaneum, which had been buried under lava and mud, Pompeii was primarily covered in volcanic ash, which preserved structures and artifacts in great detail.

Systematic Archaeological Work:

In the years that followed, more organized efforts to excavate the site took place. By the early 19th century, Giuseppe Fiorelli, an Italian archaeologist, revolutionized the whole process. He introduced the technique of running plaster into voids left by decomposed bodies in the ash, creating casts of the people who had died during the eruption. This allowed archaeologists to see the exact positions of the victims, frozen in time during their last moments.

Continued Excavations:

Excavations have continued up to the present day. The place is massive, and even now, parts of Pompeii remain unexplored. As archaeologists uncover more of the city, they continue to find new artifacts and insights into life in ancient Rome.

Summary:

Pompeii was accidentally discovered in 1599, but its full significance wasn’t recognized until 1748, when systematic excavations began. Since then, it has become one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, providing a unique and detailed view of ancient Roman life, preserved in near-perfect condition under volcanic ash for centuries.

Frequently Ask Questions

Ques: Where is Pompeii located?

Ans: Pompeii is located in the Campania region of Italy, near the modern city of Naples. It was an ancient Roman city buried under volcanic ash and pumice after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Today, Pompeii is an archaeological site and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Italy, offering a remarkable glimpse into the daily life of ancient Romans.

The exact number of people who died in the explosion of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and the following defeat of Pompeii is anonymous. Estimates vary, but it is believed that thousands of people died in the disaster.

The remains of around 1,500 individuals have been found at Pompeii and nearby Herculaneum, but it’s likely that many more residents and visitors were caught in the eruption.

Ques: Is Pompeii mentioned in the Quran?

The Quran primarily focuses on religious teachings, guidance, and narratives related to prophets, moral lessons, and the Day of Judgment. Somehow, The Quran mentions various ancient peoples and civilizations, including the people of Aad and Thamud.

These references serve as examples of past nations who faced consequences due to their rejection of prophetic guidance.

For example, in Surah Al-A’raf (7:65), the people of Aad are mentioned, and in Surah Hud (11:61), both the people of Aad and Thamud are referenced. These references are used to convey moral lessons and warnings about the consequences of disbelief and disobedience to God’s guidance.