Roman history has always interested me. I love the idea of this
complex and advanced society filled with bustling cities,
philosophers and politicians thriving so long ago. Even more
fascinating is that one of these cities could be destroyed and
forgotten within just a few generations. It’s this fascination
that pulls me towards visiting the Italian city of Pompeii.
History of Pompeii Pompeii was founded in the 7th or 6th century
BC by the Oscans of central Italy. It was a busy port city
(although today it is about 3km from the shoreline) and an
active market place. The city came under Roman control in the
1st century BC when Roman general Sulla claimed it for his army
veterans. The Romans moved in and quickly started making
architectural and cultural changes including the construction of
an amphitheater, bath houses, theaters and temples to Roman
gods. By the time of Mount Vesuvius’ eruption the city had grown
in size to 20,000 residents. In 63 AD there was a large
earthquake (5 or 6 on the Richter scale) an