Pompeii

Pompeii is certainly the oldest place we have visited.  Evidence shows that it was inhabited in 700 BC.  In its final years Pompeii suffered two major insults with the first being an earthquake in 63 AD followed by the disastrous eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD which buried the entire city in 15-20 feet of ash.  It then laid undiscovered until the mid 1700's when excavations began.  Today much of the city has been uncovered and it is absolutely incredible what remains after almost 2000 years. Many walls are intact with interesting frescos which shed some light on life so long ago.

Eric and I had a guide arranged which we found invaluable. He was a wealth of information and made sure we saw the best there was to see.  We started in the brothel where frescos accompanied by numbers still adorn the walls. As most were illiterate at the time this was their way of ordering. Can't you see it, they just go and order say number two for the service they desire.  Was quite amazing to walk down the Roman roads that were trod upon over 2000 years ago.  Fountains and beautiful tile mosaic floors have been uncovered intact.  The town was dotted with wine bars with beautiful marble counters which survived the destruction.  One of the town bakeries still has intact flour mills and what looks very much like a pizza oven.

Something that brought the tragedy home was the bodies that were preserved by ash and even show their facial expressions at the time of death.  Really makes one stop and realize what happened here.

Brothel menu

Fountain made of shells and tiles

Inside the main square

Family gathering place with fountain in center

Mosaic on floor of largest home in Pompeii

Shrine hat survived intact for 2000 years

Roman road with raised stones for when it flooded

Wine bar. How civilized

Bakery complete with flour mill

Caught in the moment of anguish 

Praying

My Vesuvius in the background