Discover Pompeii: 10 extraordinary things you perhaps don't know - The hidden beauty of the city buried by the eruption of Vesuvius.

Pompeii, a name that immediately evokes images of ancient ruins and stories of a fascinating past, is much more than just a tourist destination. This city, buried under the ashes of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, represents a treasure of history, art and culture, which continues to reveal extraordinary secrets to visitors from all over the world. Although many are familiar with the iconic images of the Forum and the famous volcano, there are numerous lesser-known and equally fascinating aspects that deserve to be explored.

In this article, we will take you on a journey through ten extraordinary wonders of Pompeii, each telling a unique part of the daily life of ancient Pompeians. From the Villa of the Mysteries, with its enigmatic frescoes, to the Amphitheater of Pompeii, the oldest stone amphitheater in existence, up to the evocative Orto dei Fuggiaschi, where you can observe the remains of those who tried to escape the devastation, each site is full of meaning and history.

We will also discover places such as the Lupanare, which offers a glimpse into the more intimate side of Roman life, and the Temple of Isis, which reveals the importance of religious practices and cultural influences. We will cross the Suburban Baths, symbol of the well-being and free time of the ancients, and we will admire the magnificence of the House of the Faun and the House of the Vettii, extraordinary examples of Pompeian art and architecture.

Get ready to discover Pompeii as you have never seen it before: a journey through the hidden wonders of a city that, despite its tragic fate, continues to tell stories of beauty, creativity and resistance.

Villa of the Mysteries

Description

The Villa of the Mysteries is one of the most important archaeological sites in Pompeii, located outside the walls of the ancient city. It is a Roman villa dating back to the 1st century BC, famous for its well-preserved frescoes and for the presence of a mysterious pictorial cycle that gave its name to the villa.

History

The Villa of the Mysteries takes its name from its frescoes which depict an alleged initiatory rite linked to the cult of Dionysus. It is believed that the villa was owned by a noble family and was used for religious and ceremonial purposes. The building suffered damage during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. but it was subsequently restored and opened to the public.

Features

The villa develops around a central peristyle and features several rooms decorated with high-quality frescoes. The most famous frescoes are those in the "Hall of Mysteries", which depict scenes of an alleged initiation rite. Other rooms in the villa include a kitchen, a dining room and several bedrooms.

The Villa of the Mysteries is a fascinating place that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the daily life of the ancient Romans and admire extraordinary works of art. The beauty and complexity of the frescoes in the villa make it an unmissable place for those visiting Pompeii.

Lupanare

Description

The Lupanare of Pompeii is one of the most famous and controversial places of the ancient Roman city. Located near the Forum, it was a sort of brothel frequented mainly by men of all social classes. The structure consisted of ten rooms arranged on two floors, each furnished with a stone bed and erotic paintings on the walls.

History

The Lupanare was discovered during archaeological excavations in Pompeii and has aroused great interest due to its particular function within Roman society. The frescoes in the rooms have been the subject of study and debate among archaeologists to better understand the daily life of the time.

Curiosities

The term "lupanare" derives from the Latin "lupa", which means prostitute. Some graffiti on the walls of the rooms indicates the names of the prostitutes and the prices of the services offered. These details provide valuable information about sexuality in ancient Rome and the relationships between men and women.

The Lupanare is one of the most visited places in Pompeii, attracting tourists from all over the world to admire the frescoes and immerse themselves in the daily life of the ancient city buried under the ashes of Vesuvius.

Orto dei Fuggiaschi

Orto dei Fuggiaschi is one of the most fascinating places in Pompeii, located in Regio I of the ancient Roman city. The name derives from the fact that the remains of people who sought refuge during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD were found in this garden. In this place, in fact, traces of 13 bodies were found, including men, women and children, who were desperately trying to escape the lava and volcanic ash.

History

Orto dei Fuggiaschi was a garden owned by a wealthy Roman family, located near the Porta di Nocera. During the eruption of Vesuvius, many people took refuge in this garden in the hope of surviving the catastrophe. Unfortunately, the lava and volcanic ash reached them, burying them alive.

Visit

Currently, Orto dei Fuggiaschi is open to the public and can be visited during the opening hours of the Pompeii Archaeological Park. During your visit, you can observe the remains of the people who sought refuge in this place, as well as the ancient Roman gardens that once decorated the area. The visit to Orto dei Fuggiaschi is a touching and evocative experience, which allows visitors to immerse themselves in the tragic story of the eruption of Vesuvius and its victims.

Casa del Fauno

Description

The House of the Faun is one of the largest and most luxurious residences in Pompeii, located in Regio VI of the ancient city. The name of the house comes from the statue of a faun found in the internal garden. It is a residence of approximately 3000 square meters, which extends over two floors and has more than 40 rooms.

History

The House of the Faun was built in the 2nd century BC. and underwent several changes over the centuries. The residence was owned by the Vettii, a rich merchant family, who enriched it with frescoes, mosaics and valuable furnishings. The house was buried under a blanket of ash and lapilli during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, which destroyed Pompeii and preserved it over time.

Architecture and Decorations

The House of the Faun is famous for its well-preserved frescoes and mosaics, which tell mythological stories and represent scenes of hunting and festivities. Among the most famous works is the mosaic of the dancing faun, which is located in the main atrium. The rooms of the house include a peristyle, a nymphaeum, a gymnasium and a triclinium, all decorated with taste and refinement.

The House of the Faun is one of the most visited sites in Pompeii and offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the daily life of the ancient Romans. Thanks to its size and the richness of its decorations, the residence bears witness to the pomp and luxury enjoyed by wealthy families of the time. A visit to the House of the Faun is an unmissable experience for those who want to learn about the history and art of ancient Pompeii.

Pompeii Amphitheatre

Description

The Amphitheater of Pompeii is one of the most important and evocative archaeological sites in the city. Built in the 1st century BC, it is one of the oldest Roman amphitheaters to have survived to the present day. Located in the south-eastern part of the ancient city, the amphitheater could accommodate up to 20,000 spectators and was used for gladiator shows, fights between wild animals and other public entertainment events.

Architecture

The Amphitheater of Pompeii is an excellent example of Roman architecture. The oval structure of the arena is surrounded by stone steps, divided into three tiers. The steps were reserved for the different social classes: the nobles sat in the front rows, while the common people occupied the highest seats. In the center of the arena there was a sandy area where fights between gladiators and animals took place.

History

The Amphitheater of Pompeii has a rich and troubled history. After the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, which buried the city underground, the amphitheater fell into disuse and was gradually abandoned. Over the centuries, the structure was buried under a thick blanket of ash and lapilli, until it was brought to light by archaeological excavations in the 18th century. Today the Amphitheater of Pompeii is open to the public and represents one of the most visited attractions in the archaeological area.

Temple of Isis

History and description

The Temple of Isis is one of the most evocative places in Pompeii, located in the archaeological area of ​​the city buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. This temple is dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis, a deity linked to fertility, magic and the protection of travellers. Built in the 2nd century BC, the temple represents an example of religious syncretism between Egyptian and Roman cultures.

Architecture and decorations

The Temple of Isis presents an imposing structure, with a colonnaded pronaos and a large internal cell where the statue of the goddess Isis was located. The columns are decorated with reliefs representing scenes related to the cult of Isis, such as the procession of priestesses and sacred ceremonies. The walls of the cell are frescoed with symbolic images linked to the goddess and her magical powers.

Some of the most interesting architectural elements of the temple are the frieze that runs along the cornice of the pronaos, with symbolic and mythological scenes linked to the goddess Isis, and the sacred well located inside the temple, where purification rituals took place and initiation of the faithful.

Religious meaning and cult of Isis

The Temple of Isis represented an important place of worship and pilgrimage for the citizens of Pompeii and the surrounding cities. Isis was considered a beneficial deity, protector of sailors and pregnant women, and her cult spread throughout the Roman Empire thanks to her ability to adapt to different local religious traditions.

The Temple of Isis was frequented by priestesses, called isiacae, who were responsible for celebrating sacred rites and assisting the faithful in their prayers and offerings to the goddess. The cult of Isis was characterized by mysterious and initiatory ceremonies, during which devotees were introduced to the secrets of the goddess and her magical power.

The Temple of Isis is one of the most evocative places in Pompeii, which allows visitors to immerse themselves in the magical and mysterious atmosphere of the cult of Isis and discover the secrets of one of the most fascinating divinities of antiquity.

Suburban Spas

Description

The Suburban Baths are a spa complex located in the eastern area of ​​Pompeii, outside the walls of the ancient city. These baths were used by the local population for hygienic and social purposes, and represent an important example of Roman thermal structures.

Structure

The Suburban Baths are made up of different rooms and environments, including changing rooms, saunas, massage rooms and a hot pool. The rooms are decorated with frescoes and mosaics, which show scenes of everyday and mythological life.

The spas were frequented by men and women of all social classes, who could relax, socialize and take care of their bodies. The different rooms of the Suburban Baths were designed to offer a wide range of services, ensuring the physical and mental well-being of visitors.

History

The Suburban Baths date back to the 1st century BC. and were used until the destruction of Pompeii in 79 AD. during the eruption of Vesuvius. After the discovery of the Pompeii excavations in the 18th century, the Suburban Baths were restored and made accessible to the public, allowing visitors to admire the beauty and functionality of these ancient baths up close.

The Suburban Baths are an important testimony to the importance of the baths in Roman society, and offer a unique opportunity to explore the daily life of the inhabitants of Pompeii and their hygienic and social habits.

House of the Vettii

The House of the Vettii is one of the most famous and well-preserved residences in Pompeii, located along the Via di Nola. This luxurious residence belonged to the brothers Aulo Vettio Restituto and Aulo Vettio Conviva, two rich merchants from Pompeii. The house dates back to the 1st century BC. and is considered one of the best examples of a private Roman residence.

History

The House of the Vettii was buried under a blanket of ash and lapilli during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, which destroyed Pompeii. Discovered in the 18th century during archaeological excavations, the house owes its name to the Vettia family who lived there. Thanks to its well-preserved structure and the numerous works of art found inside, the House of the Vettii has become one of the most visited attractions in Pompeii.

Description

The Casa dei Vettii is spread over two floors and has a central courtyard with a garden surrounded by columns. The rooms of the house are decorated with frescoes of great value, which represent mythological scenes, landscapes and portraits. Among the most famous rooms of the residence is the "cubiculum of Menander", richly decorated with frescoes depicting scenes taken from the works of the Greek playwright Menander.

The house is also enriched by a garden with fountains and sculptures, which offered the inhabitants a place to relax and meet. The House of the Vettii bears witness to the pomp and luxury of daily life in ancient Pompeii, and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the history and art of the Roman era.

Forum of Pompeii

Description

The Forum of Pompeii was the nerve center of the political, economic and social life of the Roman city of Pompeii. It was located in the heart of the ancient city, surrounded by important public and religious buildings. The Forum was a place of meeting and exchange between citizens, where assemblies, fairs, processions and religious ceremonies were held.

History

The Forum of Pompeii was built in the 3rd century BC. and underwent several transformations over the centuries. During the Roman period, the Forum was enlarged and enriched with new buildings, such as the temple of Capitoline Jupiter and the basilica. After the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, the Forum fell into ruin and remained buried under a thick blanket of ash and lapilli for centuries.

The Forum of Pompeii was brought to light by archaeological excavations conducted starting from the 18th century. Today it is possible to visit this extraordinary site and admire the remains of the ancient buildings that surrounded it, including the temple of Capitoline Jupiter, the basilica, the baths and the curia.

Visit

The Forum of Pompeii is one of the most evocative and fascinating places of the ancient Roman city. During the visit, you can walk among the Doric columns of the temple of Capitoline Jupiter, admire the remains of the basilica and the curia, and imagine the daily life of the citizens of Pompeii. The Forum is open to the public every day, with times that vary depending on the season.

To visit the Forum of Pompeii it is advisable to purchase a cumulative ticket which also allows entry to the other archaeological sites of Pompeii, such as the excavations of Villa dei Misteri and the House of the Faun. It is also advisable to book your visit with a tourist agency or an expert guide, to fully appreciate the beauty and history of this extraordinary archaeological site.