Pompeii

Basalt stepping stones, which allowed citizens to cross the streets when they were flooded with water. The wheels of chariots could pass between them.

With so much information available regarding Pompeii, I won't go into detail about its history. I'll just share a few impressions, photos, and links to access more information. The site is a few stops further on the Circumvesuviana train line, about a 20-minute ride from Ercolano. After  being at Ercolano, which was a small city, the expanse of Pompeii was impressive. Ercolano is set lower, as if in a bowl, and it was hot, even in the morning. But Pompeii is set on a hill, and there was a nice breeze throughout the afternoon while I was there.

The Forum: for more onfo, try this link:
Forum

Fish and produce market, with frescoes showing what was for sale.
Plaster casts of some people who were caught as they died are in the glass containers

A fresco, but I can't remember where!?#

A mosaic of birds in the entry way of a house

A street with two stepping stones = two way traffic

Grooves made by chariots in the streets.

A stone bed in the Lupanar, or brothel

Large theater : click for more info

 Temple of Jupiter: click for more info

Many people have chosen sides on these two sites, saying they prefer one over the other. However, I disagree. Each site is unique and worthy of exploration, each in its own right. In fact, I think that both sites should be visited to better understand the life and events of that time in history. Many of the best artifacts from Pompeii are now housed in Naples, in the National Archaeological Museum there. So there's much more to see : another time, perhaps? Chissà?

Here's a link to another wonderful BBC documentary:

Pompeii: The Mystery Of People Frozen In Time