Herculaneum

Antigua ciudad de Herculano, Italia, 2023-03-27, DD 135-138 PAN

Herculaneum, past, present and future (1908) (14596114730)

Mt Vesuvius 79 AD eruption 3

Pergamon Museum Pompeii exhibit

Herculanum plan fouilles

Herculaneum was an ancient Roman town located in the territory of the current commune of Ercolano, Campania, Italy. It, along with Pompeii, Stabiae, Oplontis, and Boscoreale, was destroyed and buried under volcanic ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Unlike Pompeii, which was covered by a layer of ash and pumice, Herculaneum was buried under a much deeper layer of volcanic material, which preserved the upper stories of buildings, as well as organic materials such as wooden objects and foodstuffs. This has provided archaeologists with a detailed insight into the life of a city during the Pax Romana.

History

Herculaneum was a smaller town with a wealthier population than Pompeii at the time of its destruction. The town was situated along a volcanic coast, on a cliff overlooking the sea. The origins of Herculaneum are believed to date back to the 6th century BC, founded by the Greeks as part of the Hellenization of the area. Later, it became part of the Roman Republic and saw significant development, including the construction of luxurious villas, baths, and a theater.

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 led to the rapid burial of Herculaneum under approximately 20 meters (60 feet) of volcanic material. This sudden catastrophe preserved the town as it was at the moment of the eruption, providing an invaluable snapshot of Roman life.

Excavations

The archaeological site of Herculaneum was rediscovered in 1709, and systematic excavations began in the 1730s. Excavations have revealed well-preserved buildings, frescoes, and artifacts, offering insights into the daily life, culture, and economy of the Roman Empire. The site is a significant source of information about Roman architecture, urban planning, and the social structure of the time.

Preservation and Challenges

The preservation of Herculaneum faces significant challenges, including exposure to the elements, the impact of tourism, and the threat from modern urban development. Efforts to conserve the site and its artifacts are ongoing, involving international collaboration and the use of modern technology.

Herculaneum Today

Today, Herculaneum is a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with the other archaeological sites in the area affected by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It attracts scholars and tourists from around the world, drawn by its well-preserved remains and the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of ancient Roman life.