Ancient Baths and Sanitation in Pompeii and Herculaneum

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Questions and Answers

What was one purpose of baths in ancient society?

Used solely for religious ceremonies

Exclusively for military training

For socializing with friends (correct)

Only for personal hygiene

Which statement about the segregation in baths is true?

Only wealthy individuals could access baths

Men's baths were often more luxurious than women's baths (correct)

Baths were exclusively for women

There were no differences in baths for genders

What was the primary source of water supply for Pompeii and Herculaneum?

Aqua Augusta (correct)

Local wells

Rainwater harvesting

Water transported from nearby rivers

What did private toilets in homes often consist of?

Cesspits that required regular emptying Signup and view all the answers

In public toilets of Pompeii and Herculaneum, what was a common feature?

A communal sponge on a stick Signup and view all the answers

What was the function of a Lararium in a household?

An altar for household rituals Signup and view all the answers

What was a common aspect of public worship in ancient society?

Typically held in temples within the forum Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the sewer systems of Pompeii and Herculaneum?

Primarily drained standing water Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivation for the Persian fleet in capturing Greek triremes?

To collect bounties for each ship taken Signup and view all the answers

What defensive strategy did the Greeks employ during the battle?

Forming a Kyklos formation Signup and view all the answers

What significant event influenced the Greek response at Artemisium?

The loss of Thermopylae Signup and view all the answers

How did the Greeks manage to take advantage of the conditions during the battle?

By raiding the Persian fleet when they were engaged in ship repairs Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the final encounter at Artemisium?

Both sides withdrew with high casualties Signup and view all the answers

What was one factor that caused difficulty during the battles near Artemisium?

The reduced size of the Persian fleet due to a storm Signup and view all the answers

What was the psychological state of the Greeks as the battle at Artemisium commenced?

Uncertain and not psychologically ready Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the Persian strategy following Thermopylae?

They faced minimal resistance during their advance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of the Philodemus Project?

To reconstruct and decipher texts from carbonised scrolls Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is NOT mentioned as part of the Herculaneum Conservation Program?

3D printing technology Signup and view all the answers

What significant change has occurred in archaeology due to new research and technologies?

An increase in scientific methods and understanding Signup and view all the answers

What issue was a major factor in the initiation of the Great Pompeii Project?

A massive collapse of walls Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the approach towards the conservation of carbonised scrolls?

They require careful handling to avoid disintegration Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a problem faced in the conservation of Herculaneum?

Lack of historical relevance Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature depicted in the Nilotic scenes found in the House of Faun?

Imaginary landscapes of Egypt Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the aim of the Pompeii Cast Project?

To accurately understand the events that led to victims' deaths Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors is NOT associated with the challenges faced in the Great Pompeii Project?

Historical accuracy in documents Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of Themistocles' strategy at Thermopylae?

To delay the Persian advance while evacuating Athenians. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Themistocles choose Troezen for the evacuation of women and children?

It was more secure than other locations. Signup and view all the answers

What tactic did the Greeks employ during naval battles with their triremes?

Ramming the enemy ships with a bronze plated ram. Signup and view all the answers

What event significantly impacted the Persian fleet during the battle?

A sudden summer storm that destroyed numerous ships. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the 'wooden walls' mentioned in the prophecy?

It symbolized the ships of the Greeks. Signup and view all the answers

How did Themistocles influence the Spartan admiral Eurybiades during the battles?

By bribing him to stay at Artemisium. Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the Persian fleet's tactics during the battles?

They suffered significant losses due to a storm. Signup and view all the answers

What criticism did Clediemus have towards Themistocles?

He mentioned the disappearance of a solid gold gorgon head. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for Eurybiades agreeing to fight at Salamis?

Bribery by Themistocles Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to Greek victory at Plataea?

Greek unity under one leader Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of geography on the Greek victory over Persia?

It provided strategic advantages for Greek forces Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main aims of the Delian League?

To liberate Greek states from Persian control Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to the logistical challenges faced by Pausanias at Plataea?

Uneven distribution of supplies Signup and view all the answers

Which Greek leader’s tactics at Salamis were noted for their stubbornness?

Themistocles Signup and view all the answers

Which of these factors did not contribute to the Persian defeat?

The effectiveness of Greek spears Signup and view all the answers

What was a surprising aspect of Athens' response to Spartan command over the navy?

They complied without resistance. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Baths in Ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum

Baths were used for social reasons such as socializing with friends and business meetings.
Baths were segregated by gender and wealth.
Men typically had access to nicer baths than women.
Wealthy patrons would display their possessions in the baths and receive food and services.
Prostitutes were available to wealthy patrons.

Water Supply and Sanitation

Aqueducts supplied the cities with water.
The main water tank, known as the castellum aquae, stored the water.
Most citizens lived within walking distance of fountains, however, only wealthy homes had private fountains.
Streets were often dirty, especially after rain.
Sewer systems served primarily to drain water, not for waste removal.
Cesspits were common in private homes, and public toilets were considered less desirable.
Public toilets often had communal sponges on a stick and attracted vermin.
Downpipes suggest the presence of toilets on upper floors in some homes.

Religion

Household Worship:
- Shrines were common in homes and shops.
- Lararia (household shrines) held rituals and featured figures:
  - Young men (lares) holding drinking horns.
  - A central figure representing the household spirit, mirroring the head of the household.
  - A snake symbolizing fertility, hearth protection, and prosperity.
Public Worship:
- Took place in temples, especially in the forum.
- Greek columns from Pompeii's House of Relief attest to Greek architectural influence.
- Notable temples dedicated to Greek deities:
  - The Temple of Apollo
  - The Doric Temple
- The theatre at Pompeii had a clear Greek influence in its design.
- Greek mythology permeated Roman culture:
  - The Alexander Mosaic in Pompeii's House of Faun depicts a scene of Greek vs. Persian conflict.
  - Nilotic scenes in the House of Faun reflect Roman fascination with Egypt.
  - Artwork depicting Egyptian rituals and deities found in both Pompeii and Herculaneum.
- Egyptian
  - Temple of Isis in Pompeii.
  - Worship of Isis fresco in Herculaneum.
  - Nilotic scenes and Egyptian animals featured in Pompeii's House of Faun.

Changing Interpretations, Impact of New Research and Technologies

Archaeology has become more scientific with the use of technology:
- Computers
- DNA research
- Anthropology
- Medical imagery
- Laser scanning
These advancements have transformed our understanding of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
New technologies allow for re-interpretations of past assumptions and reveal new insights.

Herculaneum Conservation Program (HCP)

Amedeo Maiuri, a previous conservator, employed techniques that damaged the site.
Issues identified included:
- Frequent rainfall
- Damage to evidence.
Wallace-Hadrill introduced less invasive conservation methods:
- Weather tracking technology.
- Laser Speckle Interferometry for analyzing art, plaster, and mosaics without causing harm.

Great Pompeii Project (GPP)

Initiated in 2013 following a large-scale wall collapse in 2010.
Issues addressed:
- Tourist behavior such as smoking.
- The presence of stray dogs in the site.
Utilized social media to engage public interest and raise awareness for conservation efforts.
Conducted CT scans to analyze plaster casts, led by Estelle Lazer, and revealed new inscriptions that challenged the eruption narrative written by Pliny the Elder.
Skeletons in Pompeii revealed evidence of Greek influence, including language.

Pompeii Cast Project (Estelle Lazer)

Aimed to better understand the fate of victims of the eruption.
USYD team initiated the project in 2013.
Archaeologists experimented with plaster-free methods of preserving bodies, but found them unsustainable.
CAT scans showed that most bodies lacked complete skeletons.
The casting process, despite being controversial, remains an important source of information.

Philodemus Project (Herculaneum)

Focused on reconstructing and deciphering texts discovered in Herculaneum, especially the Villa of Papyri.
Conservation of carbonized scrolls is crucial due to their fragility.
Technologies such as X-rays and digital photography were employed.
Although results were limited, the project shed light on ancient literature.

Issues of Conservation and Reconstruction: Italian and International Contributions

Conservation involves safeguarding the objects and structures from the past.
Reconstruction encompasses repainting and rebuilding, particularly unstable walls and foundations.
Conservation Issues:
- The destructive nature of archaeological excavations is a significant consideration.
- Archaeological projects often involve dismantling structures for analysis.

The Battle Of Thermopylae

Led by Spartan King Leonidas, the 300 Spartans, 700 Thespians, and 400 Thebans fought against the massive Persian army.
Spartans and Allies bravely held the narrow pass of Thermopylae for three days.
Ephialtes betrayed the Greeks, revealing a secret path through the mountains.
Leonidas and his men were ambushed and defeated, but their sacrifice allowed the Greek fleet to evacuate.

The Battle of Artemisium

Athenian General Themistocles commanded the Greek fleet, encountering the Persian fleet off the coast of Artemisium.
Initial battles were fought in storms that destroyed 200 Persian ships.
Themistocles bribed Eurybiades, the Spartan admiral, to stay at Artemisium despite weather and loss at Thermopylae.
Greek navy of 271 triremes avoided further storm damage in the Euripus channel.
Three battles were fought:
- The first battle saw the Greeks form a circular defensive formation to prevent the Persians from disrupting their ranks.
- During the night, a storm further hampered the Persians, allowing the Greeks to raid the damaged fleet.
- The final battle saw both sides sustain casualties, but the Persians withdrew.

Results of Artemisium

Although indecisive, Artemisium boosted Greek morale.
The Persian fleet moved slowly along the coast, sacking villages.
The Persians arrived at Phalerum (Athens' harbor) at the same time their army entered Attica.
Central Greece lay exposed after three days of battle, with cities like Boeotia submitting to the Persians.
The battle's challenges, including weather, Greek raids, and the constricted fighting space, hindered the Persians.
They couldn't split their fleet and launch raids against the Peloponnese.
Facing the risk of defeat, the Persians concentrated their forces.
The loss of Thermopylae and the sacking of Athens forced the Greeks to evacuate.

Artemisium and Thermopylae Assessment

Thermopylae:
- The Greeks were outnumbered.
- The traitor who led the Persians to the secret path allowed them a decisive advantage.
Artemisium:
- The storm caused substantial damage to the Persian navy but did not decisively change the balance of power.
- Greek forces remained outnumbered.

Persian Advance:

After Thermopylae, the Persian army marched south, encountering minimal resistance.
The strategy of retreating was strategically decided in order to allow the Greeks to fight another day.
Leonidas sacrificed himself and his men to allow time for the rest of the Greek forces to escape.

Eurybiades:

The Spartan general who led the Greek fleet at the Battle of Artemisium.
Initially reluctant to fight at Artemisium.
Bribed by Themistocles to stay.
At the Battle of Salamis, he sought advice from the captains.
Themistocles persuaded him to battle at Salamis.
Awarded the prize of courage for his role in the Battle of Salamis.

Pausanias:

Spartan general who achieved victory at Plataea.
His reputation suffered due to his arrogance.
Led a force of 100,000 men from 24 states, each independent and envious of others.
Sustaining unity within the Greek army was a significant challenge for Pausanias.
Faced logistical problems in supplying his troops with food and water.

Reasons for Greek Victory and Persian Defeat:

Pausanias' leadership at Plataea.
Themistocles' development of Athenian naval strategy.
Xerxes' overconfidence.
Greek unity.
Superior Greek army and equipment.
Geographic advantage of Greece.
Greek morale, fighting to defend their homeland.
Leonidas' legacy as a hero.
Themistocles' stubborn decision to fight at Salamis.
Spartan leadership.
Athens' willingness to comply with Spartan naval command.
The delayed tactics of the Greek forces at Thermopylae.
The Greek decision to fight at Salamis.
Mardonius' rashness in persuading Xerxes to invade Greece.
The logistical challenges of supplying the Persian army.
The perception of divine favor on the Greek side, boosting their morale.
Greek military tactics.
The superiority of Greek triremes.
The Greek decision to prioritize defensive tactics and strategic withdrawals.

The Delian League

Origins:
- Athens emerged as the leader after the defeat of the Persians.
- Pausanias was accused of treachery and his arrogance angered the Greeks.
- Sparta was reluctant to continue fighting Persia.
- As stated by historian, Larsen, it was founded as a permanent alliance for both offense and defense.
Aims:
- Compensate the Greeks for losses by seizing Persian territory.
- Liberate any Greek states still under Persian control.
- Provide economic advantages for Athens.
- Conduct naval warfare against Persia.
- As stated by Larsen, the league was not meant to create an Athenian empire, but rather maintain a balance of power.
- Thucydides, the ancient historian, provides further insights into the league's history.

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Description

Explore the fascinating social functions of baths in ancient Pompeii and Herculaneum, where different classes and genders experienced them differently. Learn about the water supply and sanitation systems that supported these cities, including aqueducts, public toilets, and the management of waste. Discover how these aspects of daily life reflect the culture and values of the time.