Pompeii

Immediately upon disembarkation from our Qatar Flight QR115 at Rome International Airport from KL (transit in Dubai) in the morning on 06.10.2024, we were taken to Pompeii by a tour bus. The 5-hour drive covering a distance of 260Km was pleasant with beautiful landscape along the way. Approx. midway, we stopped at Liola Hotel for coffee and toilet break.

In front of Liola Hotel.

Coffee break with university old friend, Mary and her husband Israel at the Bar of Liola Hotel.

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Pompeii is a place not alien to me - I have read about it and this is also one place we occasionally talked about when the subject of the destructive force of volcanic eruption is discussed.

Finally at 1.00pm on 06.10.2024, we arrived at this ancient city which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Before we proceeded to tour Pompeii old city, we had lunch at Terrazza Pompeiana Restaurant which is within walking distance to this popular tourist site.

Mixed Grilled Seafood & Pizza.

Main course: Seafood Spaghetti.

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Pompeii ancient city which is situated in current Municipality of Pompeii near Naples, Italy had a tragic end in 79 AD after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The city was buried under 4m - 6m of volcanic ash and pumice soon after the eruption. 

It's incredible that Pompeii which was founded in around 700BC until it's destruction in AD 79 has similar layout and amenities of modern day city. The excavations carried out over the years shed light on the daily life and sophistication of the ancient Roman city. Some of the key amenities discovered and which we saw with our own eyes during the tour are:

• Public Baths.
• Aqueducts and Fountains.
• Street Infrastructure.
• Ancient Fast Food Shops.
• Amphitheater and theaters.
• Markets and Shops.
• Public Latrines.
• Temples.
• Private Houses with Lavish Decor.
• Bakeries and Mills.
• Brothels (Red Light Area).
• Gardens and Vineyards.
• Graffiti and Public Notices.

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The streets were well designed with paved roads, road kerbs and pedestrian walkway. The city had extensive drainage system with gutters running along the streets for water runoff.

Clearly visible worn out marks left behind on paved road caused by prolonged running over by wheels of horse-driven carriage.

Barricades installed at the end of paved road to avoid accidents of horse-driven carriages with pedestrians.

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Public water fountains and basins by the road side which were connected to the city's aqueducts or water pipes providing fresh water to local residents, passersby and travelers.

Lead pipe is still visible by the street walkway.

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The Amphitheater remarkably is still intact. It could accommodate around 20,000 spectators for gladiator games and public performances.

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Ancient fast food outlets.

Countertop finished with marble slabs.

These pictures remind us of brick pizza oven

Amphorae or large earthen containers used for storage of liquid and wine mostly.

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Private residential houses with lavish wall paintings.

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Exquisite tiling work.

The open square or The Forum is where most religious, political and cultural life of the local populace took place. It's surrounded by temple, government administration buildings etc.

Statute of the mystical Centaur by Igor Mitoraj at the Forum.

Group photo of tour members taken at The Forum: Front squatting - Stephenie Leong. Front row from left: Israel Kee, Yan Swee Phing (Mom of Leong Yuet Ming & Stephenie), Leong Yuet Ming, Monica Phang, Mary Ann Goh, Local Tour Guide, Tai Siok Yuan,  Mdm Kok (Mom of Yuan), Alice Kok (Sister of Mdm Kok), Ho Wei Wei (Mrs. Chew), Chew Teong Boon. Back Row: Mary Kee, Danny Wong, Adeline Chong (Mrs. Loh), Carter Loh Kah Keong, My Wife, Me.

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At the time of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, Pompeii is believed to have a population of around 10,000 to 12,000 people. Many residents managed to flee in the early stages. It was estimated that around 2,000 people stayed behind or were caught in the disaster. These individuals were likely trapped and killed by the rapid progression of the volcanic activity particularly the pyroclastic flows which buried the city in ash and pumice.  Many bodies were preserved in the ash and some of their remains are now in display, offering a glimpse of the disaster.

Interestingly or ironically, this tragic event which happened almost 2,000 year ago is now providing millions of dollars from tourists for the economy of Italy! In 2023, travel and tourism generated 215 billion euros or 10.5% of Italy's GDP, a very significant sum!