VESUVIUS! part 2

WAT ELSE HAV U DUN!?

Well, Mount Vesuvius also took out the ancient city of Herculaneum. A lesser known archaeological site, although similar to Pompeii in that they were both tragically preserved in volcanic ash from the same event and were cities of the same time. However, the differences in these two cities make them both uniquely worth visiting. Pompeii was struck directly by the volcanic blast in the middle of the night without much warning. Many bodies were found in their homes without a chance to flee.

In Herculaneum the townspeople clearly knew something was up and were trying to take shelter from what they could only guess was an earthquake. Bodies were found huddled in groups taking refuge in the dockyards. Since Herculaneum was not in the direct path of the volcano’s eruption like Pompeii, it is in much better condition. There are still original wood frames, many roofs are still intact, and the paintings are even more vibrant. Herculaneum did not face the amount of heat and volcano junk Pompeii was victim to, and therefore was perfectly encased in a mountain’s worth of suffocating ash. I dare say, the tiny bit of Herculaneum that is uncovered is even more breathtaking than Pompeii.

A view over the uncovered part of the city. Only about 25% of the city has been uncovered. Most of it is still underground with part of the modern Ercolano built on top.

(click here for the panorama if the embedded one doesn’t work, or to see it full screen)

That’s Vesuvius photobombing our selfie.

At the original waterfront site for the ancient city they have a very emotionally powerful display of the victims – as they were found – as they would have died.

You can see families, mostly women and children, holding each other, trying to hide from what would have been a terrifying night.

A powerful scene. I tried my best to capture the display, but the sun overexposed most of my shots. I’m sure the internet has better pics than I took if you’re interested.

oops! I forgot to straighten this photo. But whatever, that m*ucker was the biggest slave owner in town.

Note the roofs and second floors of the buildings on the left. Most buildings collapsed in Pompeii.

That right there is original charred wood from Herculaneum. That beam has avoided decay for nearly 2000 years!

(click here for the panorama if the embedded one doesn’t work, or to see it full screen)

John relaxin’ in the hot tub.

The original Ikea bed.

We had an incredible day at Herculaneum. An experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I’m really not sure how to explain how special it was to visit these ancient cities, or even if I need to explain, but this was one of those moments that was truly humbling. The type of moment that I’ve been experiencing a lot more since I’ve started travelling, but I will always enjoy, appreciate, and be surprised by.

 

~B~