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NAPLES AND THE AMALFI COASTThis story by MatthewDBPrice has 53 pages.

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Picture of Naples

Caption: HERCULANEUM NAPLES AND THE AMALFI COAST

Naples

Caption: Part Two Herculaneum

Picture of Naples

Caption: On the morning of August 24th 79 AD Mount Vesuvius erupted, covering the fishing community of Herculaneum in ash and molten rock over a period of 72 hours.

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Caption: In surprisingly good condition, Herculaneum was discovered by accident in 1709, when a local farmer was digging a deep well in his pastures 20 metres above the buried ruins.

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Caption: Herculaneum showcases a microcosm of a perfect Roman town - complete with a drainage system, baths, temples, houses and streets. Because of the unique conditions the town underwent, as opposed to nearby Pompeii, with volcanic water, ash and debris the town lay in a remarkable state of preservation.

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Caption: Thus, many of the buildings still retain their second story, decoration and some their fixtures, fittings and furniture.

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Caption: Only 2/3 of the town has been excavated; the rest lies under the modern town of Ercolano.

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Caption: Right, enough history. Let’s dive right in, and travel back in time...

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Caption: Think fast food is a modern concept? Think again - Romans ate on the go too. Here, vats of stews and soups were prepared for hungry citizens waiting at the counter.

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Caption: Buildings have been wonderfully preserved, some still retaining their original paint work!

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Caption: These incredible murals are found inside the College of the Augustales

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Caption: And, of course, their exquisite mosaic floors

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Caption: Even advertisements were preserved by the ash

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Caption: As well a shop sign!

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Caption: This wine emporium retains a wooden balcony, as well as the racks in which the amphorae (the clay containers you can see on the left) were stored

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Caption: Now, what Roman city would be complete without a bath house? Here we see the changing room, complete with lockers for the storage of personal affects.

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Caption: We’re unsure exactly which room was used for men or for women.

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Caption: And here we have the bath itself, made of marble and still in very good condition!

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Caption: Every house opened on to an atrium, for a dramatic entrance, and then several rooms branched off from the central room.

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Caption: One house still retained part of its wooden staircase!

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Caption: The unfortunate victims of Mount Vesuvius

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Caption: Amazing, this house still has its interior doors, leading from the atrium to a reception room

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Caption: And in one of the small rooms sits a bed. The last time this was used was in the night of August 23rd 79AD.

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Caption: Stay tuned for more of my travels in Southern Italy! All photos by Matthew Price

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