Pompeii and Herculaneum: Geography and Eruption

Study Notes

Pompeii situated on a volcanic plateau between the Sarno River and the slopes of Mount Vesuvius.
Its strategic location provided a crucial link between the north and south.
Pompeii connected the seaside with the agricultural region inland.
Abundant resources were available due to Pompeii's location, including opportunities for fishing and highly fertile soil for crops.
Specialties included wine, olives, and garum.
Mount Vesuvius was a prominent landmark, and the Sarno River flowed past.

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 had a devastating impact on Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The nature of excavations changed significantly throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Initial discoveries were often driven by treasure-seeking motivations, leading to hasty and sometimes destructive methods.
As archaeological understanding advanced, excavation practices shifted towards more scientific and ethical approaches.
The focus increasingly shifted towards preserving the context and integrity of the sites.

Sunlight fading frescos.
Water deteriorating buildings, especially suburban bathhouses.
Acid rain causing discolouration, abrasion, and corrosion.
Weeds and tree roots growing in cracks, destabilizing surfaces.
Insects and birds nesting, leaving excrement and pecking at surfaces.
Poor restoration work, such as replacing lintels over doors and windows, leading to mold growth.
Looting, particularly between 1975 and 2000, with over 600 stolen items, causing damage from the Italian mafia.
The collapse of the House of Gladiators in 2010 due to a combination of factors, including poor site management and theft.

Lack of adequate resources, leadership, and skills.
Failure to monitor the site effectively.
Corruption within the management structure.
Divided authority between the superintendent and city manager.
Archaeologist Andrea Carandine commented on the lack of systematic management, emphasizing the miracle that more structures hadn't collapsed.

UNESCO highlighted the widespread issues that led to the collapse of the House of Gladiators in 2010.
Italian authorities responded by establishing an emergency conservation project, recruiting new staff for maintenance and management.
The Packard Institute made a substantial long-term commitment in 2000, providing $10 million to the Herculaneum Conservation Project (HCP).
The Getty Conservation Institute collaborated with the HCP to address conservation challenges.
The Great Pompeii Project was launched in 2010 following the House of Gladiators collapse.
The Italian government provided $105 million for conservation, maintenance, and restoration efforts.
The project aimed to requalify the site by 2015, addressing hydrogeological risks, safeguarding structures, and strengthening security.
The Herculaneum Conservation Project emerged as a significant initiative, with Andrew Wallace playing a key role.

Halting decay through restoration of ancient sewer networks.
Addressing groundwater issues.
Replacing roofing.
Safeguarding and restoring concrete lintels from the 20th century.
Implementing methods to conserve and consolidate paintings and mosaics.
The discovery of an ancient network of sewers and drains containing examinable excrement.
Contributions from the British School at Rome and the local heritage authority, funded by the Packard Institute and executed by Italian personnel.

The study and display of human remains are valuable for understanding diet, health, and lifestyle (through clothing, for instance).
New technologies offer the potential to reveal more information in the future.
R. Ford emphasizes the indispensability of human remains for archaeological research.
Ethical concerns arise as displays can be disrespectful and potentially go against cultural beliefs, especially regarding the displacement of remains.
There are also concerns about profiting from the dead and potentially damaging remains through removal.
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) guidelines highlight the need for professional standards, considering the interests and beliefs of the originating group and prioritizing respect for human dignity.

Artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum are often stolen and sold on the black market.
Debates surrounding ownership involve archaeologists seeking access for study, museums for display, country authorities for cultural relevance, and the site itself for preservation.
Pamela Bradley (2013) argues that most international laws claim ultimate ownership of antiquities found within a country's borders.

A constant tension exists between the need to excavate new areas and the need to conserve existing discoveries.
Prioritizing conservation helps ensure the long-term preservation and study of these invaluable sites.