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Pompeii Research Paper

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Every day natural causes contribute to the slow demise of Pompeii. For example, seasonal temperature fluctuations damage ruins and artifacts, sunlight bleaches wall frescos, and torrential rains potentially flood and collapse buildings. The interiors of buildings are vulnerable to dampness, especially the walls and floors that house ancient artifacts, frescoes, and mosaics. Besides the effects of weathering, inadequate excavation, restoration and conservation practices have contributed to the slow demise of Pompeii (Amery 8). This paper examines the history of inappropriate excavation practices at the historic site of Pompeii, which has brought further dilapidation of the city over the centuries. The paper also considers the consequences …show more content…

The earlier work of the city, which included the city walls, gates, forum, and courtyards, was constructed in the 5th century during the Samnite period. The small city once a prosperous trading center can be viewed today as a Roman showcase and a microcosm of early Roman urban society of the 6th century B.C. Pompeii grew into a stable economic city, but it was surrounded by potential misfortunes. The Roman author Seneca reported the earthquake in the Campania region in 62 AD, which destroyed public buildings while many residential buildings partially collapsed (Özgenel 4). Seventeen years later, in 79 AD, the eruption of Mt Vesuvius ended the existence of Pompeii. Up to twelve feet of ash and debris consumed the city in twelve hours. Public buildings, theaters, baths, temples, basilicas, commercial establishments, city squares and residential areas in a once thriving urban community suddenly stood still in …show more content…

The newly rediscovered city of Pompeii received significant attention during this era, as people became interested to see the works of art displayed at the site. For the first time in 1764, Pompeii received worldwide media attention from the discovery of the Temple of Isis, which attracted droves of visitors to Naples. In 1771 visitors to the area increased, especially after the discovery of Via delle Tombe, which contained the encased bodies of 18 women and children huddled on the temple’s porch (Amery 37). After 1860, significant work continued and the city was divided into nine topographical regions so buildings could be identified and located on maps for easy access. To date, out of the 165 acres, two-thirds of the area (110 acres) has been unearthed. The southwestern part of the city contains the forum; it is the oldest part of the city that dates back to 6th century BC (World Heritage

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