Attractions of Pompeii

Although Pompeii was a prominent trading centre for the Roman Empire, it also acted as a popular tourist town. Attractions such as the amphitheatre as well as the features of the triangular forum both increased the levels of people visiting the town and provided much information regarding the activities those in the Roman Empire enjoyed.
In the Triangular Forum, there were many attractions such as theatre and poetry recitals.Although these were popular, the main attraction of the town was its renowned amphitheatre. The Pompeii amphitheatre was at the centre of gladiatorial contests in the Campania region in Italy, evidenced by the location of barracks around the town.
The amphitheatre brought much wealth to the city as it could seat 25,000, however in 59AD a riot broke out between Pompeiian and the neighbouring Nucerian fans after a heated battle between gladiators of the town. As a result, such events were banned in the town for ten years. This forced the town to diversify its make-up, whilst remaining stable. Despite the ill effects the closure of the amphitheatre had on the town for ten years , the re-opening of the amphitheatre caused a new wave of popularity and recognition for the town

The Forum

In this blog I will be talking about the Forum and the impact this had on Pompeii's economy. The rectangular Forum was located in the West of the city and acted as the economic, administrative and religious centre of the city. As I stated in my last blog the Via Della Abbondanza led to the Forum which allowed the swift movement of  goods to  and from the Forum.
From a religious perspective the main temples of the city were located here, for instance the Temple of Jupiter and the Building of Eumanchia. During the times of religious festivals the Forum would be even more packed than usual, which consequently led to increased trade activity
The Municipal Offices of the city were also located in the Forum. The running of the town ultimately rested with the duoviri, the two chief magistrates of the city, however in issues that concerned the day to day running of the town, the three aediles were responsible. Finally the comitium, the elction building was located beside the Aediles office's and the office of the duoviri.
Despite the obvious functions of the Forum as both a administrative and a religious centre, it was primarily a trading area. The basilica was often the focus for these activities as it acted as both a building in which to resolve trade disputes but also to conduct trade in. The Macellum was also the other focal point for trade in the town as citizens would come to the area for its market. The harmony with which the Basilica and Macellum worked together with regards to their proximity boosted trade exponentially too.

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

Geography of Pompeii

In my blog, I am aiming to discuss the geography of Pompeii, centring the town around the time of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD and the effect this had on the town, and indeed our understanding of Roman society today. Today I will be discussing briefly the early history of Pompeii and the factors which influenced settlement in this area, and how Pompeii became an industrious Roman colony; thus impacting it's infrastructure and rich architecture.


Located in the Campania region of Italy, close to modern-day Naples, Pompeii was originally founded by the Osci in 6th century BC. The site provided it's inhabitants with fertile volcanic land and a fresh source of water from the River Sarno. Much of Pompeii's early history remains uneventful until 89BC and the Siege of Sulla. This paved the way for Pompeii to become a Roman colony in 80BC.
From this crucial point in the history of the town, Pompeii then became a main trading point for many Roman goods, linking both Rome and much of Africa as well as becoming an important stop along the Appian Way. For obvious reasons, the establishment of Pompeii as a main trading port coincided with the most fruitful period the town had ever experienced in terms of trade and agriculture. Nearby sailors would often stop and rest at the nearby Thermopolium, a form of inn, which would thus feed the thriving economy further. This profitable period the town was experiencing led to many of the towns inhabitants ignoring the warning signs that were conveyed from the stirring Vesuvius.