CORE : POMPEII AND HERCULANEUM

Question 1

What region are Pompeii and Herculaneum located in?

Answer 1

Campania

Campania is south of Rome and along the coast of Naples.

Question 2

What was a major resource for Pompeii and Herculaneum due to their coastal location?

Answer 2

Fishing and seafood

This provided a healthy protein source and was abundant.

Question 3

When did the eruption of Mt Vesuvius occur?

Answer 3

Approximately 24th of November, 79 AD

This event followed many earth tremors.

Question 4

What is a pyroclastic flow?

Answer 4

A dense, destructive mass of hot ash, lava fragments, and gases ejected explosively from a volcano

It typically flows at speeds of approximately 100 km/h and can reach temperatures of 500 degrees.

Question 5

Who was Pliny the Elder?

Answer 5

Commander of one of the two Roman fleets and a geographer

He was curious about natural phenomena and had a nephew, Pliny the Younger.

Question 6

What were the two phases of the eruption of Vesuvius?

Answer 6

• Surge 1
• Pyroclastic flow

Each phase had a different impact on Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Question 7

What was the estimated population of Pompeii before the eruption?

Answer 7

12,000 to 20,000

Pompeii covered around 33 hectares, with 2/3 of it excavated.

Question 8

What were the causes of death for the people of Pompeii during the eruption?

Answer 8

• Sealed in rooms by rising ash
• Trampled to death in darkness
• Ash and thermal shock

38% of bodies found were under the pumice layer.

Question 9

What was the primary cause of death for the residents of Herculaneum during the eruption?

Answer 9

Thermal shock

High temperatures caused severe injuries and death.

Question 10

What characterizes the social structure of Roman society?

Answer 10

Class conscious with limited movement between classes

Divisions were reinforced by legal and political privileges.

Question 11

What are the main categories of the Roman social class?

Answer 11

• Freeborn men/women (ingenui)
• Freedmen/women (libertas and liberta)
• Slaves (servi)

Each class had different rights and privileges.

Question 12

What was the role of patrons in Roman society?

Answer 12

Patrons assisted clients from lower social classes in exchange for support and favors

The emperor was considered the ‘super patron’ over the Roman world.

Question 13

What was the political life like in Pompeii and Herculaneum?

Answer 13

Dominated by patronage of poor citizens by wealthy elites

Political activity was evident through graffiti and inscriptions.

Question 14

What type of economy did Pompeii have?

Answer 14

A bustling commercial center with evidence of shops and workshops

Herculaneum was quieter and more focused on fishing.

Question 15

What were the key industries in Pompeii?

Answer 15

• Agricultural production
• Fishing
• Garum (fish sauce)

These industries were supported by the region’s rich resources.

Question 16

Who is Mercury in Roman mythology?

Answer 16

God of commerce

Depicted in images displayed in shop signs, sales counters, and workshop walls.

Question 17

What were the key industries in Pompeii and Herculaneum?

Answer 17

Agricultural production, fishing, garum production, fullers (laundries), bakeries, shops and taverns, pottery

These industries supported the local economy and population.

Question 18

What products were provided by the agricultural industries in Pompeii?

Answer 18

Wine, olive oil, cereals, fruit, vegetables, meat, wool, flowers

These products were sourced from villas and farmsteads.

Question 19

What was garum?

Answer 19

Fish sauce made from guts and other parts of fish

Known for its strong smell and was a major industry in Pompeii.

Question 20

What role did fullers play in Pompeii’s economy?

Answer 20

Washing, bleaching, and dyeing clothes

Fullers used urine for cleaning and had workshops across the city.

Question 21

How many bakeries have been identified in Pompeii?

Answer 21

Approximately 30 bakeries

Evidence of bakeries was also found in Herculaneum.

Question 22

What was the function of the macellum in Pompeii?

Answer 22

Market for selling goods

Administered by aediles to ensure proper functioning and quality control.

Question 23

What types of goods were commonly sold in Pompeii’s shops?

Answer 23

Food, drinks, pottery, clothing, and various manufactured goods

About 200 public eating and drinking places were identified.

Question 24

What types of accommodations were available in Pompeii?

Answer 24

Hotels, inns, and private homes

Hotels often included stables and garages for wagons.

Question 25

What were some of the imports into Pompeii?

Answer 25

Wine, pottery, furniture, lamps, spices ## Footnote Trade occurred with cities within Campania and beyond.

Question 26

True or False: Prostitution was not a recognized business in Pompeii.

Answer 26

False ## Footnote Nine buildings associated with prostitution have been identified in Pompeii.

Question 27

What was the typical design of a domus in Pompeii?

Answer 27

Independent houses with an atrium as the main focus ## Footnote Average size ranged from 8-13 rooms.

Question 28

What were the main leisure activities in Pompeii?

Answer 28

Blood sports, theatre performances, gymnasium activities, public baths ## Footnote Taverns and gambling were also popular pastimes.

Question 29

What types of food did the Romans in Pompeii consume?

Answer 29

Meat, seafood, fruits, nuts, bread ## Footnote Evidence of organic materials found in Herculaneum supports this.

Question 30

What was the function of the aqueducts in Pompeii?

Answer 30

To supply fresh running water ## Footnote A branch from the imperial aqueduct at Misenum supplied the city.

Question 31

What types of housing styles were identified in Pompeii?

Answer 31

Domus, atrium-peristyle houses, insulae (apartment houses), villas ## Footnote Each style varied in size and luxury.

Question 32

What was the role of religion in Pompeii?

Answer 32

Integral to daily life, influencing buildings, festivals, and jobs ## Footnote Many public holidays were directly related to religious observances.

Question 33

What were the two main functions of temples in Pompeii?

Answer 33

To house images of the gods and to conduct rituals ## Footnote Ten temples have been identified in Pompeii.

Question 34

What are Lares in Roman household religion?

Answer 34

Household gods protecting the family and home ## Footnote Shrines for Lares were common in Roman homes.

Question 35

What was the Lararium?

Answer 35

A shrine to the guardian spirits of the household ## Footnote Rituals performed here were meant for family protection.

Question 36

What was the significance of the cult of Isis in Pompeii?

Answer 36

Popular among the poor and oppressed for its promise of immortality ## Footnote The Temple of Isis was found in fine condition during excavations.

Question 37

What was the significance of the Temple of Isis in Pompeii?

Answer 37

It was in exceptionally fine condition when discovered and had services twice a day. ## Footnote Services included dawn rituals symbolizing the rebirth of Osiris and afternoon ceremonies for blessing Nile water.

Question 38

Which foreign cult was popular in Pompeii before the establishment of the Roman colony?

Answer 38

The Egyptian cult of Isis. ## Footnote It appealed to the poor and oppressed due to its story of death, resurrection, and promise of immortality.

Question 39

What type of tombs are found in the necropolis of Pompeii?

Answer 39

* Chamber tombs * Cube tombs * Bench tombs * Niche tombs * Altar-shaped tombs * Aedicule tombs ## Footnote These tombs provide valuable information about the lives and beliefs of those interred.

Question 40

True or False: No tombs have been found in Herculaneum.

Answer 40

True.

Question 41

How did Greek influences affect the art in Pompeii?

Answer 41

Frescos of Greek mythological scenes and wall and floor mosaics showing Greek and Egyptian influence. ## Footnote Examples include the House of the Faun and the Alexander mosaic.

Question 42

What architectural features reflect Greek influences in Pompeii?

Answer 42

* Use of Greek column orders * Peristyle gardens * Large and small theatres * Palestra in Hellenistic style * Stoa in the Forum ## Footnote The stoa is a covered walkway/portico for public use.

Question 43

What was the role of Karl Weber and Johann Winckelmann in the excavation of Pompeii?

Answer 43

They influenced the stopping of looting and began systematic recording of excavated areas. ## Footnote Their work marked a shift towards more careful archaeological practices.

Question 44

Fill in the blank: The _______ cult continued to flourish in Campania despite suppression in Rome.

Answer 44

Cult of Dionysus.

Question 45

What advancements have changed the techniques of archaeology in excavations?

Answer 45

* Digital photography * Digital imaging * Computer technology * Laboratory work * DNA testing ## Footnote These advancements help in the recording and analysis of artifacts.

Question 46

What are some problems caused by tourism at Pompeii and Herculaneum?

Answer 46

* Inadequate site management * Theft and vandalism * Erosion of roads and footpaths * Heavy tourist foot traffic ## Footnote These issues have necessitated new management plans.

Question 47

What was the purpose of the Herculaneum Conservation Project?

Answer 47

To document and catalog building features and move original artifacts to museums. ## Footnote This project involves replacing original items on-site with reproductions.

Question 48

What measures have been taken to manage tourist access to Pompeii and Herculaneum?

Answer 48

* Rotational access to sections * Erecting barriers in buildings * Improved educational signage * Required guides to display badges * Direction of tours to less visited sites ## Footnote These measures aim to protect significant areas from damage.

Question 49

What ethical concerns have arisen regarding the display of human remains in archaeology?

Answer 49

Debates on the display of human remains have emerged, particularly in response to indigenous community demands. ## Footnote Earlier practices involved displaying skeletons and creating plaster casts for exhibitions.