After our excursion to Capri, we slept in on Wednesday morning. It was Seth's and my last day in the Naples/Sorrento area so we wanted to experience one more local treat. Seth, Ingrid and I had agreed to go to either Pompeii or Herculaneum. Both of these ancient cities were destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. After reading a bit about them, I preferred to go to Herculaneum. Seth and Ingrid agreed. We left Sorrento (Surrentum) at noon for our excursion, traveling almost all the way back to Naples (Neapolis).
Mt. Vesuvius erupted at about 1:00 in the afternoon on August 24th 79 AD. Winds carried the debris in the direction of Pompeii. Because the debris was heavy ash and stone, Pompeii was essentially crushed under its weight. Twelve hours later a pyroclastic flow of 750 degree gas, ash and rock began rushing toward the city of Herculaneum at 100 mph. Because this volcanic material was at ground level it filled the buildings there rather than crushing them as in Pompeii. Herculaneum was originally discovered in the 18th century but because of the nature of the volcanic material that destroyed it, it was difficult excavate. Archeologists instead turned to Pompeii. Excavation of Herculaneum began again in the late part of the 20th century. Originally it was thought that all the residents of Herculaneum had escaped, but in 1981, when excavation reach the boathouses that were positioned at the original shoreline, almost 300 skeletons were found. It is thought that those people were killed instantly from the intense heat while awaiting rescue.
As we were walking from the train station to the excavation site, we came across this store. I got excited to see my name with the word "foto" which means "photo" in English. The word "ottica" means multiple things including, "optics" and "point of view." I think it is probably an optician but it would be more fun if it is a photographer. It would be even more fun it is a relative who is a photographer. The shop was closed so we will never know.
We knew Danielle and Andrew were going to Herculanium the same day we were but we were unable to get in touch with them so we could go together. We were very happy to run into them on the way in. They unfortunately were on their way out. We chatted long enough to take a photo.
This is a view of Herculaneum from above. Please remember as you look at these photographs, what you are seeing is 2,000 years old. Notice the design detail. It's pretty amazing considering the lack of modern tools and technology. 2,000 years from now will there be as much admiration for what we make?
This is one area where the excavation is currently taking place. As you can see they are right up against the modern city of Ercolano.
This photo is interesting because you can see Vesuvius in the background. What did the residents of Herculaneum see in that sky 2,000 years ago?
The ubiquitous lemon trees.
Seth on the street of Herculaneum. You can see the paving stones. It really seemed pretty modern when you were standing there.
Frescos depicting the myth of Hercules for whom the city is named, in the Seat of the Augustali.
I was fascinated by this table. The craftsmanship was really amazing.
This is an ancient "fast food" counter. Things like wine and olives were stored in the urns embedded in the counter.
The bronze fountain, Hydra of Lerna, in the gymnasium, depicting the 7 headed serpent defeated by Hercules.
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