6.W.2.3. Identify the Contributions of the Mediterranean Civilizations

6.W.1.3. Explain the development of Mediterranean civilizations

Objectives

1. Students will be able to explain why Pompeii is important

2. Students will be able to chronicle the events of Pompeii’s destruction.

3. Students will be able to identify a primary source.

Pompeii: The CityLarge City: 20,000 people

3 Days journey from Rome

Center for Trade:

Pompeii: Foreign Influences

Pompeii: Popular Spot

Because of

And vibrant life:

Emperor Nero

Visited often.

Pompeii: City of Commerce

Pompeii: Diverse Jobs

Pompeii: The Final

DayAugust 24th,

79 AD

Mt. Vesuvius is awakened…The people did NOT know this was a

volcano.

City of Pompeii built on hardened lava from previous eruption.

The Final Day…

• Started Out like normal, people going about their business as usual.

• First volcanic ash started falling mid-afternoon.

• Some begin to flee: They realize the seismic shock is not weakening

Obstacles to fleeing

1. Darkness due to dense cloud of ash coming from Volcano

2. Difficult breathing the ash-filled air.

3. Continuous rain of pumice blocking way

No Let up From Vesuvius…

• Accumulation of Pumice blocked windows and doorways turning Homes into Tombs.

• Buildings collapse on top of people

Vesuvius Tricks the People

• Sunset, Volcanic activity seems to lessen.

• Remaining Survivors emerge from shelter and begin searching for escape routes.

• By Dawn, 3rd surge hits Pompeii, killing everyone else remaining.

The End…

• 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.: Final Surge from Vesuvius hits Pompeii, completely burying city.

Why Pompeii is Important• Scientists and Historians have learned a LOT

about the Roman Empire from Pompeii—Close to each other=similar style

• Vesuvius ‘sealed’ the city of Pompeii with its ash, making a time capsule from the Roman Empire

• Almost entire city, including the people, were preserved just as it was on that Last Day in Pompeii.

The Excavation…

• 1748: Archaeologists begin “digging” Pompeii out of the Ash

• Humans Preserved: The casts of Human Bodies………….

Vesuvius Rests Quietly….

….For Now….