Pompeii

The site of Pompeii was founded around 300 BC. They had a complex water system, amphitheater, sporting arena etc. and they brought water from the foot hills of Vesuvius via aquaducts. It was estimated there were 20,000 people with 40 bakeries and 30 brothels.  The buildings would have been quite spectacular covered with ground white marble stucco. The town suffered through a number of earthquakes and then in 79 AD Vesuvius erupted.  The people were quickly suffocated in a superhot avalanche of gas and ash. Their bodies were encased in volcanic ash. 

The site laid buried for 1700 years until it was discovered.

Just a few pictures of the hundreds we took. Quite an amazing site !!!

Listening to the audio guide 

Most people didn't cook in their own houses but there were a number of these shops with pots on the front of the building. Each one held something like soup, or wine etc.

Had to believe some of these frescos were still visible.

I was really interested in the Roman baths. The men and women had separate bath areas.

The first room was where you disrobed. 

The cubbies for your clothes..,

The next room was the warm room.... like a sauna. The floor was heated and a fountain spouted water onto the floor to create steam. 

Then the next room had the hot bath at one end 

and at the other end was a sink with cold water to splash yourself if you got too hot.

Unbelievable that this happened nearly 2000 years ago and you can still see the details