Cities of Vesuvius - Pompeii and Herculaneum

Students learn to:

• comprehend and analyse a range of archaeological and written sources relevant to the core

study of the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum

• use sources to reconstruct aspects of life in Pompeii and Herculaneum in AD 79

• evaluate the implications of gaps in the evidence for reconstructing life in Pompeii and

Herculaneum in AD 79

• describe and assess different methods used by archaeologists, historians and other

specialists to investigate the sites over time

• evaluate different representations of Pompeii and Herculaneum over time

• discuss relevant issues of conservation and reconstruction; custodianship of the sites and

the display of human remains

• present the findings of investigations of key features or issues relevant to the study of

Pompeii and Herculaneum

• communicate effectively in oral and written forms to describe and analyse features and

issues of the study.

Students learn about:

Non-examinable background

• stages of occupation

• brief historical overview up to and including the eruption of AD 79

• early discoveries and brief history of the excavations

• representations of Pompeii and Herculaneum over time

Examinable content:

1 Geographical context

• the physical environment: the geographical setting, natural features and resources of

Pompeii and Herculaneum

• plans and streetscapes of Pompeii and Herculaneum

2 The nature of sources and evidence

• the range of available sources, both written and archaeological, including ancient

writers, official inscriptions, graffiti, wall paintings, statues, mosaics, human and

animal remains

• the limitations, reliability and evaluation of sources

• the evidence provided by the sources from Pompeii and Herculaneum for:

– the eruption

– the economy: trade, commerce, industries, occupations

– social structure; men, women, freedmen, slaves

– local political life

– everyday life: leisure activities, food and dining, clothing, health, baths, water

supply and sanitation

– public buildings – basilicas, temples, fora, theatres, palaestra, amphitheatres

– private buildings – villas, houses, shops

– influence of Greek and Egyptian cultures: art, architecture, religion

– religion: temples, household gods, foreign cults, tombs.

3 Investigating, reconstructing and preserving the past

• changing methods and contributions of nineteenth and twentieth century

archaeologists to our understanding of Pompeii and Herculaneum

• changing interpretations: impact of new research and technologies

• issues of conservation and reconstruction: Italian and international contributions and

responsibilities; impact of tourism

• ethical issues: study and display of human remains