#CLST6 Today, I take a #LookCloser7 at the modern-day layout of Pompeii, Italy and compare its current features with those of the ancient past.

In Ancient Roman times, Pompeii was a vibrant and physically close-knit town, where houses lacked complete privacy of the town’s hustle.

However, Pompeian elites still managed to incorporate villas in the small city, such as the House of the Faun. Ruins of the site still remain, and its two successive peristyles helped make it Pompeii’s largest mansion of the time.

A floor mosaic remains (image 1) as does an open garden (image 2). Nevertheless, the House is walled off (image 3) on each side to make room for more homes on the block. Even the largest homes such as this couldn’t escape the loud and crowded city life that characterized Pompeii.

Pompeii’s theater (image 4) remains as well, and the city’s rich and poor would gather here for a show after either an elaborate dining experience or fast food made from dolia at street counters.

Narrow streets (image 5) facilitated the foot traffic of all social classes in Pompeii—these street crowds, theater outings and more made up for Pompeii’s wealth diversity by providing a similarly busy, uniquely Pompeian life for everyone.

Sources:
A History of Roman Art, Enhanced Edition by Fred S. Kleiner, pp. 37.
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*Images from Google Maps