Layout of Pompeii



Pompeii was set out in the typical Roman grid fashion, with clear distinctions between both the cardo(North to South roads) and decumanus( West to South roads). However before I examine the features of the roads in Pompeii, it is crucial to talk about the several gates around the city that connected to these various roads and indeed allowed for a high level of trade for . Although there were seven main gates in Pompeii, there were four placed around the 'maximus' roads, therefore making them the most used. Both the Marina and Sarno Gates were connected to the Via Della Abbondanza(decumanus maximus) at opposite sides of the city whereas the Stabia and Vesuvius Gates linked the Via Stabinia(cardo maximus).

Although the 'maximus' roads allowed for easy access to the Forum, the main trading centre, the other roads around the city were not as easy to use. Many of the interconnecting roads of the city were less than one metre across and were designated as one-way. When one factors in the level of human waste, drain water and rubbish that littered these roads, it is easy to see why traders tried to stick to the 'maximus' roads of the city, as these roads were two-way and rutted so that carts may travel on them efficiently. However this was to the advantage of the city as these roads were adapted and featured up-to-date technology, whereas the side roads were neglected, which has allowed for the eclectic mix of streets in the city, a fascinating feature of Pompeii.





Pompeii's main roads