The Complete History of Pompeii
The history of Pompeii is a dramatic story of a thriving Roman city frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Founded by the Osci in the 7th or 6th century BC, it grew into a bustling port town before it was buried under metres of volcanic ash and pumice, preserving a unique snapshot of ancient life that would remain lost for over 1,500 years.
Early History and Roman Rule
Pompeii's story begins long before the Romans. Archaeological evidence suggests the area was first settled by the Oscan people around the 7th or 6th century BC. Over the centuries, it came under the influence of the Greeks and Etruscans before being conquered by the Samnites in the 5th century BC. The city remained under Samnite control until it was drawn into Rome's orbit during the Samnite Wars. In 80 BC, after Pompeii joined an unsuccessful rebellion against Rome, the Roman general Sulla conquered the city and established it as a formal Roman colony called Colonia Cornelia Veneria Pompeianorum. Under Roman rule, Pompeii prospered as a commercial hub and a popular resort for wealthy Romans, with a population estimated between 10,000 and 20,000 people.
Key Dates in Pompeii's Early History
- 7th/6th Century BC: First settlements founded by the Oscan people.
- 5th Century BC: The Samnites conquer the city and expand it.
- 80 BC: Pompeii becomes a Roman colony after being captured by General Sulla.
- 59 AD: A violent riot breaks out in the amphitheatre between residents of Pompeii and Nuceria, leading to a 10-year ban on gladiator games.
- 62 AD: A severe earthquake strikes the region, causing widespread damage to Pompeii and Herculaneum. The city was still undergoing repairs when the final catastrophe occurred 17 years later.
The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
On an autumn day in 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted with devastating force. For centuries, the date was cited as August 24th based on a letter by Pliny the Younger, the only surviving eyewitness account. However, archaeological evidence, such as seasonal fruits and heavier clothing found on victims, suggests the eruption more likely occurred in October or November. The eruption began around noon, sending a massive column of ash, pumice, and gas an estimated 33 kilometres (21 miles) into the sky. For hours, the city was pelted with falling pumice stones, causing roofs to collapse. The next morning, a series of pyroclastic surges—fast-moving, superheated clouds of gas and volcanic matter—swept through the city, killing those who remained. The city and its inhabitants were buried under 4 to 6 metres (13 to 20 feet) of volcanic material.
Rediscovery and Excavation
Pompeii was lost to the world for over 1,500 years. The site was first stumbled upon in 1599 by architect Domenico Fontana while digging a canal, but the discovery was reburied, possibly due to the explicit nature of some of the frescoes he uncovered. The city was not properly rediscovered until 1748, when Spanish military engineer Roque Joaquín de Alcubierre began excavating. An inscription found in 1763 confirmed the site was indeed Pompeii. Early excavations were often haphazard treasure hunts. A more systematic approach was introduced in 1863 by archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli. He is credited with the technique of pouring plaster into the voids left by decomposed bodies in the hardened ash, creating hauntingly detailed casts of the volcano's victims. Today, about two-thirds of the 66-hectare site has been excavated, and the work continues, offering an unparalleled glimpse into Roman life.
Frequently asked questions
What was Pompeii before the eruption?
Before the eruption in 79 AD, Pompeii was a prosperous Roman city with a population of up to 20,000 people. It was a busy commercial port and a resort town for wealthy Romans, featuring a complex water system, an amphitheatre, temples, and numerous private homes and businesses.
How was Pompeii discovered?
Pompeii was accidentally rediscovered in 1599 by an architect digging a canal, but it was quickly reburied. Systematic excavations began in 1748 after the nearby city of Herculaneum was found, and the site was officially identified as Pompeii in 1763.
How many people died in Pompeii?
The exact death toll is unknown, but it is estimated that thousands perished. Archaeologists have found the remains of over 1,000 victims, but many of the city's 20,000 inhabitants may have escaped during the initial hours of the eruption.
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