Pompeii: An Archaeological Guide

Description

The resonant ruins of Pompeii are perhaps the most direct route back to the living, breathing world of the ancient Romans. Two million visitors annually now walk the paved streets which re-emerged, miraculously preserved, from their layers of volcanic ash. Yet for all the fame and unique importance of the site, there is a surprising lack of a handy archaeological guide in English to reveal and explain its public spaces and private residences. This compact and user-friendly handbook, written by an expert in the field, helpfully fills that gap. Illustrated throughout with maps, plans, diagrams and other images, Pompeii: An Archaeological Guide offers a general introduction to the doomed city followed by an authoritative summary and survey of the buildings, artefacts and paintings themselves. The result is an unrivalled picture, derived from an intimate knowledge of Roman archaeology around the Bay of Naples, of the forum, temples, brothels, bath-houses, bakeries, gymnasia, amphitheatre, necropolis and other site buildings including perennial favourites like the House of the Faun, named after its celebrated dancing satyr. How to Use this Guide vii Visiting Pompeii x A Brief History Timeline 3 Introduction 7 1 The Fateful Day 21 2 The Eruption 47 3 The Story Unfolds 63 THe Guide Suburban Baths 87 Imperial Villa / Marine Gate 90 Temple of Venus 92 Temple of Apollo 94 Forum 98 Basilica 101 Civil Offices 102 Temple of Jupiter 103 Temple of Vespasian 106 Sanctuary of City Lares 109 Macellum 110 Building of Eumachia 112 Forum Holitorium 115 Temple of Fortuna Augusta 116 Baths of Pompeii 118 Forum Baths 120 House of the Faun 125 House of the Vettii 134 Central Baths 138 Bakery of Popidius Priscus 139 Brothel 141 Stabian Baths 143 Theatre District 148 Samnite Gymnasium 151 Temple of Isis 152 Temple of Jupiter Meilichios 154 Theatres 154 Fullery of Stephanus 159 House of Loreius Tiburtinus 161 House of Venus in the Sea Shell 164 Palaestra 169 Amphitheatre 169 Nuceria Gate Tombs 173 Villa of the Mysteries 175 Tombs outside the Herculaneum Gate 179 Villa of Diomedes 188 House of Menander 192 House of the Tragic Poet 196 House of the Silver Wedding 200 Praedia of Julia Felix 204 Glossary 209 Further Reading 218 Bibliography 219 List of Illustrations 224 Index 227