Herculaneum: Pompeii's Twin City

Herculaneum, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Pompeii, is a remarkable archaeological site that offers an invaluable glimpse into daily life during the Roman Empire. Located in the Campania region of southern Italy, Herculaneum was once a prosperous seaside town, thriving with elegant villas, bustling streets, and a vibrant population. Like Pompeii, Herculaneum met its tragic end in 79 AD due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, yet the fate of the two cities unfolded in dramatically different ways.

While Pompeii was buried under a thick blanket of ash, Herculaneum was engulfed by pyroclastic flows—fast-moving surges of hot gases and volcanic material. This unique form of burial resulted in extraordinary preservation conditions, with many structures, artifacts, and even organic material preserved to an incredible degree. Whereas Pompeii’s residents were suffocated by ash, Herculaneum’s inhabitants were subject to the intense heat, which caused them to die from thermal shock. As a result, Herculaneum’s remains have been better preserved, with wooden structures, furniture, and even scrolls surviving almost 2,000 years of history.

The town of Herculaneum was founded by the Oscans before becoming a part of the Roman Empire. By the time of the eruption, it had flourished into a wealthy resort town, frequented by Roman elites who built grand villas along the coastline. The city’s proximity to the sea and its favorable climate made it an attractive destination for those seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Rome. Its inhabitants were not only wealthy but also culturally and socially connected to the heart of the Roman Empire, with numerous examples of Roman luxury and art discovered throughout the city.

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Hljóðbók: 17 januari 2025