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Book Review of Ancient Cities: The History of Pompeii

Ancient Cities: The History of Pompeii
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This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts millions of visitors each year, where tourists come face-to-face with mortality (their own and the people of Pompeii). This site is important because it shows visitors the customs, living conditions, social lives, and employment of those who lived hereâtime stopped in 79 CE with the eruption of Vesuvius.

Pompeii was a great place to luxuriate because of gladiator games, plenty of food, and entertainment, including brothels. In 62 CE, an earthquake occurred (with Pompeii at its center). Because Vesuvius sat above Pompeii and did not belch or fire up, carpenters and builders rushed to Pompeii and began rebuilding.

When the animals became worried, those who survived the 62 CE earthquake were more likely to leave than new inhabitants. It is surprising to see how many first-person reports were shared in the aftermath of the destruction of Pompeii.

The description of the lava and destruction is horrific, especially considering how many decided to stay in place. It is estimated that 16,000 left and about 2000 died in the ash and fire. With five more eruptions in the next 500 years (and a traumatic one in 1631 CE, Pompeii became a ghost town.

Early farmers and treasure hunters found mementos and artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum. This led to greater exploration and excavation in the areas. There was a long line of excavators and treasures unearthed for future generations. Now, this area is valued for the knowledge we can glean from the artifacts found in situ.