Pompei

Makini
Makini
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The Archeological Site of Pompei

  • May 24, 2003
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Makini from New York, New York
The Archeological Site of Pompei

You have to visit the city of Pompei that was destroyed in 79 BC when the volcano "Vesuvio" errupted. Pompei is about a 30-minute train ride south of Naples.

Before the volcano erupted, a gas oozed out, suffocating the citizens of Pompei. Archaeologists have dug out the city which is now a museum. Roam the city and feel what it was once like to live in an ancient city during Roman times. I definitely recommend that you ask for a group tour. You'll learn interesting facts. For example, while walking in the streets you'll notice carvings of penises in doorways and on the streets. It's a sign of good luck. Because of it's vulgarity it was later changed to the sign of a horn or a tusk.

You also have to visit the brothel. Because the city was visited by people of all nationalities back when the city was alive, the prostitutes would paint pictures of the positions they were known for at the top of their doors. It was their way of communicating with the foreigners.

The city of Pompei is a place for all ages. You can visit the city's amphitheatre and ancient bath houses. It's all very interesting. You'll also see moldings of real people. The volcanic ash disintegrated the bodies, but not until after the molten rock had dried. The archaeologists poured in cement into the ground whenever they located empty spaces and then they dug around them. What they produced were the shapes of human bodies and animals. You can still see their real teeth.

I would definitely give myself all day to visit Pompei and you still won't be able to see all of it. I recommend that you pack a lunch and bring plenty of water. There is a cafeteria, but it's not the finest cuisine and it's overpriced. I definitely want to go back again. If you go in the summer, dress comfortably. It's very hot and there's not much shade. It's also very dusty. Also, wear walking shoes.

You'll also note that most of the mosaics are originals, but the artwork are replicas. The originals are located in the Archaeological Museum in Naples.

From journal I Left My Heart In Naples

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