The Graeco-Roman mentality of history having a cyclic nature as opposed to a linear progression can be utilised to form the basis of Pompeii’s significance to archaeology (Breisach, 2008 p. 46-7). Initiated by archaeologists such as Giuseppe Fiorelli, detailed site classification has aided archaeologists in the processing and analysis of evidence (Renfrew and Bahn, 2006 p. 24). Pompeii is one of the earliest examples of this. The size of the site has presented unique challenges to archaeologists throughout history, particularly in regard to the preservation of artefacts. Poor preservation and restoration techniques have created challenges for archaeologists in recent times, but have increased our knowledge of reliable methods (Wallace, 2012 …show more content…
Preservation is a crucial obligation that modern archaeologists have at Pompeii. This is due to the development of the site over time. Key concerns with conservation were emphasised in 2011 by UNESCO including ordinary decay, the impact of tourism and poor conservation measures by past generations. Studies conducted on the site have found that tourists confine themselves to small portions of the site, and some areas are rarely open to visitors which could reduce the overall effect of high tourist traffic (Wallace, 2012 p. 120). Poor preservation techniques used in the past have created an array of issues currently being solved at Pompeii. Until recently, a precise methodology for restoration at Pompeii did not exist (Demauro, 2016 p. 376). This created serious problems when archaeologists attempted to date restoration in the past, and when attempting to identify the materials and methods used in conservation. In order to resolve this, a geographic information system (GIS) is being developed for the site (Demauro, 2016 p. 377). This will map what restorations have occurred throughout the site, the materials used and the date of these activities. According to Demauro, this project is ongoing. Whilst this project is not unique, it will be fundamental for archaeologists on the site as they can identify what methods have been successful in specific contexts. In the long term, this will allow methodology for conservation to be streamlined into a reliable process. Many archaeologists and professionals working in connected fields have proposed methods of resolving the current crises at Pompeii and the other Vesuvian sites. Plans for creating tourist paths and platforms at Pompeii have received a variety of responses from the public. Those proposed by Sepe emphasise the need for tourists to visit the often forgotten areas of the site (Sepe, 2015 p. 729). The plans also
The second question frequently asked regarding Schliemann’s legacy examines his motives and skill as an excavator: was Heinrich Schliemann a good archaeologist? This question has two sides. First, did Schliemann use the best techniques and technology available to him at time of his first excavation? Second, did he have the same values that other archaeologists have?
...ncyclopedia of Archaeology, Ed. Deborah M. Pearsall. Vol. 3. Oxford, United Kingdom: Academic Press, 2008. p1896-1905. New Britain: Elsevier, Inc.
The nineteenth century proved to be a big step toward exploring Pompeii and Herculaneum because Giuseppe Fiorelli introduced more scientific methods of excavating the site in 1865. Documentation and records were also carefully kept and finds were left in its original place. The ‘treasure hunting’ style was popular in the first century excavation on both Herculaneum and Pompeii. Paintings, mosaics, statues, columns, vases, and coins were looted and removed to be added to the collections of wealthy individuals and museums. For the most part, most of the objects were taken without the information such as location being
Geographical features played a prominent role in the daily life of Pompeii. A geographical feature is a natural or manmade feature of an environment. For the city of Pompeii, the location was a key aspect of its daily life. In addition, the economic activity and industry was important in the everyday life of Pompeii’s citizens. Evidence also suggests entertainment played a large role in the life of the city’s population. Archaeological remains also stress the Roman influence of its streets and buildings. All these features contributed to the daily life in Pompeii.
The private and public leisure activities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were largely abundant. Many activities could be participated in and were used often. These include Drama performances, gladiatorial games, drinking, gambling, brothels, exercise, gardens, baths and food and dining. All these were an important part of Pompeian and Herculaneum life. They were seen as important to keep the body and mind healthy in most cases. Though some opposed some of the activities like brothels, gambling and drinking. But all give a important look into the life of those in Pompeii and Herculaneum before the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius which completely destroyed both towns and all its inhabitants.
The development of an empire is a change strongly emphasized in the Archeology as a radical departure from the Hellenic tradition, and consequently a major source of conflict among the Greeks. Prior to the adven...
Archaeology and the Trojan War “. he [Heinrich Schliemann] found layers of ruins. and two bore unmistakable signs of violent destruction. One of these layers, the seventh according to more recent excavators, was no doubt the city of Priam and Hector. The historicity of the Homeric tale has been demonstrated archaeologically.”
Pompeii is possibly the best-documented catastrophe in Antiquity. Because of it, we know now how the Pompeians lived because they left behind an extensive legacy of art, including monuments, sculptures and paintings. Pompeii lay on a plateau of ancient lava near the Bay of Naples in western Italy in a region called Campania, less than 1.6 kilometers from the foot of Mount Vesuvius. With the coast to the west and the Apennine Mountains to the East, Campania is a fertile plain, traversed by two major rivers and rich soil. However, in the early days, it was not a remarkable city. Scholars have not been able to identify Pompeii’s original inhabitants. The first people to settle in this region were probably prehistoric hunters and fishers. By at least the eight century B.C., a group of Italic people known as the Oscans occupied the region; they most likely established Pompeii, although the exact date of its origin is unknown. “The root of the word Pompeii would appear to be the Oscan word for the number five, pompe, which suggests that either the community consisted of five hamlets or, perhaps, was settled by a family group (gens Pompeia)”(Kraus 7). In the course of the eight century B.C., Greek and Etruscan colonization stimulated the development of Pompeii as a city around the area of the Forum. A point for important trade routes, it became a place for trading towards the inland. Up until the middle of the 5th century B.C., the city was dominated politically by the Etruscans.
Nearly two millenniums ago a massive eruption rocked the Roman city of Pompeii, destroying buildings and coating the town in deep layers of volcanic ash. Fortunately, this same ash served as a tool for preservation and has allowed archaeologists to discover the remains of various types of Pompeii’s art. The values, beliefs, and daily workings of Roman culture have been brought to new light through the paintings, mosaics, statues and other forms of art found in the lost city of Pompeii.
GREECE & ROME. Archaeology [serial online]. November 1987;40(6):18. Available from: Academic Search Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed December 22, 2011.
Processual Archaeology, was a movement in the archaeological field that began in the 1960‘s and changed the course of archaeology forever. Anthropologists such as Julian Steward were absolutely influential on many archaeologists and anthropologists during the early 1960s with his theories of cultural ecology which established a scientific way of understanding cultures as human adaption to the surrounding environment (Steward, 1955: 36-38). It was approaches such as Stewards that led eventually led to a rejection of culture-historical approaches to the archaeological record and propelled the ideas of cultural evolution and its reaction with the environment. This approach to cultural systems was essentially a rejection of the culture-historical approach of determinism by suggesting that the environment influences culture but is not a deterministic feature and that both culture and the environment were two separate systems that are dependent on each other for change (Steward, 1955: 36).
"National Roman Museum - Palazzo Massimo Alle Terme." Soprintendenza Speciale per I Beni Archeologici Di Roma. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2014.
The Fragment of a Fresco is dated to 50-25 B.C., generally categorizing it into the Second Period of Roman paintings and placing its creation during the time of transition of Rome from a Republic to an Empire. This particular fresco was discovered in Pompeii, which is considered one of the leading sites of such pieces of art. While many Roman frescos throughout all four styles depict scenes of historical importance in both military and cultural aspects, this particular piece, Fragment of a Fresco, provides more of an architectural and interior design quality than that of other pieces from this time period.
One of the most key examples of understanding human culture through archaeology is the topic of climate and the environment. As seen through history, there is an intricate relationship between the environment and life on earth. Through extensive research, archaeologists have the ability to take note of minor cultural changes that can be attributed to the environment during a particular time period. These changes include, shifts in methods of food collection, changes in the artwor...
Evidence of organized settlements dating from this period has been found, and artefacts produced are mainly associated with burials. Objects were put into the grave with the body for the use of the spirit in the next life; thus a great quantity of such personal goods as pottery, tools, and weapons has been preserve...