Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, destroying Herculaneum with volcanic pyroclastic flows. The town was covered in 60 feet of mud and ash, and lay hidden for nearly 1600 years until it was discovered by accident. However, Pompei was soon discovered, and because it was buried under only 12 feet of debris, it was easier to excavate. Herculaneum was then mostly ignored until 1981, when bones were found on site. Since the Romans burned their dead, actual bones from this time period were a major find. Some 300 bodies were found by the seashore. They were overcome by the pyroclastic flow as they waited for boats to evacuate them.
Reading about it was very interesting, but walking the actual ground was amazing! I could close my eyes and just about feel the rush of the Romans as they walked about this special place.
The walls show you how deep the town was buried. The original shoreline was on the other side of the this wall. It is now about half a mile further out.
The mosaic work is very impressive.
A wide variety of building materials was used throughout the town.
Repairing the mosaic flooring.
Main Street.
The houses were richly decorated, many with amazing paintings and murals.
Inside of a column.
This is where the 300 bodies were found.
However, the beauty of Herculaneum is what I wish to remember.
Peace my friends!
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