The Discovery of Pompeii and the Roman Reaction to the Eruption of AD 79

Introduction

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD was a catastrophic event known to the ancient Romans. However, their reaction and understanding of what happened to Pompeii were quite different from our modern perspectives. This article delves into how the Romans discovered Pompeii and their subsequent reactions to the disaster.

Early Awareness and the Eruption

Historically, the Romans did not discover Pompeii in the contemporary sense of the term. The eruption itself was a widely known and documented event. Pliny the Younger, a prominent Latin author, wrote two famous letters describing the events. In his accounts, he mentioned the earthquakes that preceded the eruption and the strange phenomena observed by the local inhabitants, such as the retreat of the sea and the presence of a dark cloud.

Ancient Awareness

After the eruption, survivors and nearby towns reported the extent of the devastation. However, Pompeii was largely forgotten and was not rediscovered for centuries. The precise reason for its long-term obscurity is not entirely clear, but it likely involved the removal of the seaward side of the city, which may have masked its existence for many years.

The Rediscovery of Pompeii

The site was rediscovered in the 18th century by Rocque Joaquin de Alcubierre, a Spanish engineer, during excavations. His work uncovered the preserved ruins of Pompeii, which provided a unique insight into Roman life.

Reactions to the Rediscovery

Historical Context: The initial reaction to the rediscovery of Pompeii was one of fascination and curiosity. The well-preserved state of the ruins offered a rare glimpse into Roman culture, society, and architectural design.

Art and Culture: The findings influenced European art, architecture, and literature. Artists and architects drew inspiration from the frescoes, mosaics, and urban planning preserved in the excavated sites. This period saw a revival of interest in classical Roman art and design during the Neoclassical era.

Scientific Interest: Archaeologists and historians became increasingly interested in the site, leading to more systematic excavations and studies of Roman civilization. This scientific fascination continues to this day, as Pompeii remains one of the most extensively studied archaeological sites in the world.

Immediate Reaction to the Eruption

Administering aid and rebuilding efforts: The eruption did not go unnoticed by the Romans. Immediately after the disaster, Emperor Titus sent aid to the refugees and ordered the dismantling of buildings left without heirs. Rebuilding efforts were under way, but the area was not fully rebuilt. The cities of Stabiae and Herculaneum (Ercolano) were considered unlucky places and were eventually left to be overgrown with vegetation.

Conclusion

In summary, the initial Romans did not have a direct reaction to the eruption itself but the rediscovery of Pompeii centuries later led to a renewed interest in Roman culture and history. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD was a multi-faceted event that left a lasting impact on the ancient world and continues to fascinate scholars and enthusiasts today.