5 Surprising Facts About Pompeii

When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE, it buried the Roman city of Pompeii under layers of volcanic ash. At the time, around 11,000 people, from nobles to enslaved laborers, lived within the city's two-mile perimeter. For more than a millennium, the ancient city's precise location remained a mystery. The first excavation of the site only took place in the mid-18th century. To date, archaeologists have only excavated two-thirds of Pompeii's 150 acres. Here are five surprising facts about Pompeii and its inhabitants. 1. Mount Vesuvius' volcanic debris enveloped the entire city, preserving not only the buildings, but also the people. When archaeologists dug into the ground, they found that the layers of ash had preserved the shapes of bodies left behind after the eruption. By pouring plaster into these cavities, scholars were able to create casts capturing the dead's final moments. 2. Evidence of ancient thermopolia, or snack bars, abounds around Pompeii. These establishments provided a variety of quick bites for the bustling population. Archaeologists have found jars containing remnants of food and drink, like pork, fish, and snails, offering a glimpse into the culinary habits of Pompeii's inhabitants. 3. Citizens expressed their opinions on political matters, shared gossip, and even advertised businesses through inscriptions on city walls. Pompeii's buildings acted as an informal forum, offering a glimpse into the daily lives and concerns of its residents, including, as always, declarations of love. 4. Archaeological excavations at Pompeii have revealed evidence of a sophisticated system of sanitation in the ancient city. Many homes featured bathrooms equipped with flushing toilets, even on the upper levels. Some bathrooms used running water for flushing, while others employed a manual flushing system. 5. Recognizing the importance of pedestrian safety, Pompeii introduced raised stepping stones strategically placed at intersections. These crossings allowed citizens to navigate the busy streets without getting their feet wet during heavy rains, showcasing an early form of city planning.