Pompeii - City of the Dead
The ghosts of the long distant past are tangible here. At Pompeii it doesn't take too much imagination to visualise the paved streets choked with chariots and people as they go about their business, the shop-fronts bustling with activity, and the laughter of children playing. And this is how it was 2,000 years ago in this popular Roman sea resort.
Behind the extensive and fascinating remains of this old Roman town looms the menacing Mount Vesuvius. Still active, Vesuvius exploded disastrously in 79 AD, encasing Pompeii in a 'time capsule' of ash and stone. Over 2,000 residents died in the inferno of hot gas and volcanic debris, and some of these corpses can be seen today where they fell nearly twenty centuries ago.
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Although much of Pompeii remains to be excavated, the area that can be visited is vast. Many streets are closed off from visitors, but it is a full day excursion to visit the main sights nevertheless. These include villas with exquisite frescoes - such as the Villa of the Mysteries and the House of the Vettii - as well as a well-preserved theatre complex and stadium. More prosaic addresses include inns, a brothel, and bathing complexes, complete with frescoes, sculpture, and the vestiges of bathing pools, storage jars, and even brothel beds.
Much of the wealth of Pompeii now resides in the fascinating Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples - about 60 minutes from Pompei by train - and many visitors are concerned at the state of the remaining on-site artwork. Security at Pompeii has also been lax in the past, resulting in theft and damage.
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Pompeii offers a unique insight into ancient life, and is also a moving memorial to a city and populace that died one disastrous day in 79 AD. Not to be missed.
More Information
Check out the excellent official Pompeii Website.
Getting There
Pompeii is best reached from either Naples or Sorrento, and is about 60 minutes by train from either on the Circumvesuviana service. Day trips also operate from Rome, although much of the day will be eaten up by travel in that case.
The site is open all year (bar three days), and the entry ticket costs 16,000 lire (a bit over £5). This ticket gives access to other nearby ruins as well.
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