Heinemann Ancient and Medieval History Louise Zarmati Pompeii and Herculaneum hi.com.au/ancient Contents Introduction . .iv Outcomes and objectives . .v Chapter 1 Geographical setting . .1 Chapter 2 A brief history of Pompeii and Herculaneum . .11 Chapter 3 Written sources for the 79 AD eruption . .19 Chapter 4 Scientific analysis of the 79 AD eruption . .28 Chapter 5 Discovery and early excavation . .37 Chapter 6 Australian researchers at Pompeii . .51 Chapter 7 Evidence of life and death . .61 Chapter 8 Public spaces . .74 Chapter 9 Private houses . .90 Chapter 10 Aspects of social life . .104 Chapter 11 Ancient wonders: modern problems . .117 Solutions . .129 General references . .129 Index . .130 III Introduction Pompeii and Herculaneum is a part of the Heinemann Ancient and Medieval History series and was written to address the requirements of the new Core Study in the 2004 New South Wales Ancient History syllabus. The topic is also relevant to the new Ancient History syllabus in Queensland. To the student • Each chapter begins with a summary of the content covered, followed by a list of key terms and concepts introduced within the chapter. Definitions are placed close to relevant text so that you can quickly absorb them and apply your understanding to the context of the general discussion. References to selected websites at hi.com will lead you to further investigations. • ‘Review and revise’ questions at key places in the text will help you compile factual answers in your notes, which will help with revision for examinations. • Critical inquiry questions and activities are designed to lead you into an examination of historical evidence that produces conflicting, and sometimes controversial, interpretations of the past. You are invited to examine the evidence and evaluate your findings. You will also be prompted to make judgements about which source is the most reliable, as well as develop your own theories and interpretations. • ‘Dig deeper’ activities at the end of the chapter consolidate your learning and challenge you to evaluate information and apply your knowledge to wider contexts. • Further reading and general references invite you to undertake additional research on current issues relating to Pompeii and Herculaneum that appear in the media, books and journals and on the Internet. A summary of the knowledge and skills addressed is provided at the end of each chapter. • Additional classroom activities and quizzes can be found on the companion CD-ROM. The German literary genius Goethe wrote: ‘Many a calamity has happened in the world, but never one that has caused so much entertainment to posterity as this one.’ May this book entertain, as well as educate. Louise Zarmati Sydney 2005 IV Heinemann Ancient and Medieval History: Pompeii and Herculaneum Outcomes and objectives New South Wales The following Knowledge and Skills Outcomes specific to the Core Study of the Ancient History Stage 6 syllabus are provided at the end of each chapter. The Principal Focus of the Core Study is for students to ‘investigate the range and nature of archaeological and written sources available for the study of the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum through an exploration of issues relating to reconstruction, ownership and custodianship of the past.’ H1.1 describe and assess the significance of key people, groups, events, institutions, societies and sites within the historical context H2.1 explain historical factors and assess their significance in contributing to change and continuity in the ancient world H3.1 locate, select and organise relevant information from a variety of sources H3.2 discuss relevant problems of sources for reconstructing the past H3.3 analyse and evaluate sources for their usefulness and reliability H3.4 explain and evaluate differing perspectives and interpretations of the past H3.6 plan and present the findings of historical investigations, analysing and synthesising information from a range of sources H4.1 use historical terms and concepts appropriately H4.2 communicate knowledge and understanding of historical features and issues using appropriate oral and written forms Board of Studies NSW Ancient History Stage 6 Syllabus 2004, p. 11. NSW syllabus topics covered in this book: Chapter/s stages of occupation 2 brief historical overview up to and including the eruption of 79 AD 2 early discoveries and brief history of the excavations 5 representations of Pompeii and Herculaneum over time 5 physical environment: the geographical setting, natural features and resources of Pompeii 1 and Herculaneum plans and streetscapes of Pompeii and Herculaneum 8 range of available sources, both written and archaeological, including ancient writers 3 limitations, reliability and evaluation of sources 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 eruption 4 economy: trade, commerce, industries, occupations 9, 10 social structure: men, women, freedmen, slaves 9, 10 local political life 8 everyday life: leisure activities, food and dining, clothing 9, 10 health 7, 8 baths, water supply and sanitation 8, 9 public buildings: basilicas, temples, forums, theatres, palaestra, amphitheatres 8 private buildings: villas, houses, shops 9 influence of Greek and Egyptian cultures: art, architecture, religion 10 religion: temples, household gods, foreign cults, tombs 10 changing methods and contributions of nineteenth-, twentieth- and twenty-first-century 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 archaeologists to our understanding of Pompeii and Herculaneum changing interpretations: impact of new research and technologies 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 issues of conservation and reconstruction: Italian and international contributions and 11 responsibilities, impact of tourism ethical issues: study and display of human remains 11 V Queensland The following Themes of the Queensland Studies Authority Ancient History Senior Syllabus are addressed in each of the 11 chapters of Heinemann Ancient and Medieval History: Pompeii and Herculaneum. Themes 1 Studies of archaeology 4 Studies of the everyday lives of people in ancient societies 7 Studies of religion 8 Studies of the arts 10 Studies of technologies, innovations and inventions 22 School-based theme – Cities of Vesuvius: Pompeii and Herculaneum General objectives Planning and using a historical research process • identify issues or problems for investigation • locate and use a variety of primary and secondary sources • maintain a coherent record of research Forming historical knowledge through critical inquiry • understand the explicit content of sources • understand the nature of historical sources of evidence, assumptions about the problematic character of historical sources, and the tentative and interpretive qualities of historical knowledge • analyse what is explicit and implicit in a wide variety of sources, including themes, values and interrelationships within and among sources • evaluate the worth of sources. This will involve students in assessing the reliability, authenticity, representativeness, relevance and accuracy of the sources and in identifying value positions, perspectives and standpoints in their historic context • make decisions, i.e. making a judgment about a question or hypothesis, based on the interpretation and analysis and on the evaluation of sources. This will involve students in: • synthesising evidence into a coherent whole • reaching a conclusion or proposing a solution that is consistent with the interpretation and analysis and with the evaluation of the sources • justifying the conclusion by providing sound reasoning and logical argument in support • demonstrate an attitude of reflection on and revision of judgments made. Communicating historical knowledge Using both written and non-written communication: • recalling significant information, defining and describing key concepts, events, development and people • providing explanations of and justifications for the finding/results of research, including the problematic nature of historical sources, the interpretive nature of historical inquiry and the tentative nature of historical judgment • producing written and non-written responses in a variety of genres • incorporate accurate definitions, abstractions and concepts, and relationships between key concepts, events and historic developments • substantiate claims by reference to sources of evidence. Adapted from Queensland Studies Authority Ancient History Syllabus, 2004, pp. 7–8. VI Heinemann Ancient and Medieval History: Pompeii and Herculaneum Chapter 1 Geographical setting Chapter focus Important dates Pompeii and Herculaneum were once thriving cities c.15 000 BC Vesuvius forms in collapsed cone of in southern Italy until they were destroyed by the Mount Somma. eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The eruption 1800 BC ‘Avellino pumice’ eruption destroys had a devastating effect upon the economy, society villages around Nola. and topography of the surrounding area, destroying 700s BC Oscans establish a village at towns, villages, villas and farms. The landscape, Herculaneum. including the coastline and the course of the Sarnus 500s BC Greeks settle around the Bay of River, was changed dramatically. Naples and establish trading posts at In this chapter you will examine the geographical Herculaneum and Pompeii. Etruscans setting of Pompeii and Herculaneum in order to arrive and compete with Greeks understand their environments before the eruption. for control. You will look at the resources of the Vesuvius area 474 BC Greeks defeat Etruscans at naval to understand why the area was occupied for such battle