Pompeii Research Paper

Located on the west coast of Italy (Campania) near Naples, Pompeii has been one of the most attractive cities to visit by tourists. Since its settlement, the region appealed to the high-class travelers of the Roman aristocracy. Ancient Greeks established at Pompeii’s area, about 14 miles southeast from Naples, in the 8th century B.C. The site was a privileged area where people frequently visited to enjoy the sun and beautiful surroundings. Pompeii’s history is different from any other city we know. Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano that lies in the bay of Naples (Pompeii is located in the southeastern base of Mount Vesuvius) and has erupted more than fifty times. In the year 79A.D, Mount Vesuvius erupted violently. Approximately 20,000 people lived in Pompeii

It was not until 1748 when a group of explorers found out that the city of Pompeii was underneath a layer of dust and the majority of the city was still intact.

In the year 79 A.D., the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum (city by mount Vesuvius that was buried by the eruption as well) were Roman cities, “but they had been Roman for only a small part of their existence. Their origins are lost in antiquity. Legend recounts that both Pompeii and Herculaneum were founded by the Greek hero Herakles on his return from Spain” (Jashemski, 2002). The exact date of when Pompeii was founded is not known. Archeological evidences found in the city indicate that the city was founded approximately at the end of the seventh century B.C. Greeks and Etruscans were both present in the area. Etruscans were one of the most advanced civilizations of Europe outside of Greece. They are known for their trading system, “making wine, building roads, draining marshes, painting vases, founding cities, creating sculptures, and constructing aqueducts” (Italy Magazine, 2015). A lot of the Roman characteristics came from the Etruscans. In the year 474 B.C., the Etruscans were defeated at the battle of