Weber digs through the loose lapilli at Pompeii. He finds it far easier than through the hard mud at Herculaneum, just as Alcubierre had. In a few years’ time, he’s able to uncover a large area, including a number of buildings. His crew moves to new areas without covering over old ones. This allows them to work faster. The system, however, presents some problems. The laborers have to remove objects they find as fast as they can. Otherwise, they could be destroyed by rain or sunlight. Antiquities left out in the open also attract thieves. Weber has to post guards at night. They make sure no one sneaks onto the site and takes valuable items. During the day, the crew foreman carries a gun so he can chase away any suspicious characters.
This fresco was found in a villa near Pompeii during an excavation there in the 1800s. This scene is part of a nine-paneled fresco depicting a ritual involving Dionysus (not shown), the Roman god of wine. Experts disagree on the meaning of the fresco.
The site is full of treasures. In addition to fine statues, there are many wall paintings. These are so well preserved that they must have been made just before Vesuvius erupted.
The paintings include several wonderful friezes—paintings in a horizontal band along the upper part of a wall. One shows an Egyptian scene, with figures and animals along the Nile River. Another depicts everyday life in the forum, Pompeii’s public square.
To Weber, though, a much more exciting discovery lies in front of the buildings. There, he finds paved streets with a public fountain marking an intersection. He also starts exploring a few small private homes. As he expects, he doesn’t find any valuable art there. But he’s intrigued to find that most of the common household objects he comes upon are located in little rooms. Here is evidence of a Roman custom the ancients wrote about. Average Romans generally tucked away household items in a storeroom when they weren’t in use.
Weber is also delighted to find a few small shops. He identifies counters
In Pompeii, Weber uncovered paved streets and public fountains, such as the one on the left below. He became interested in the way ordinary ancient Romans lived.
That ancient store owners had used to display their wares. While digging through the site, Weber always enjoys finding parallels between ancient and modern times. For instance, in his notes, he writes that Pompeii’s streets were paved with blocks of lava just as the streets of Naples are.
The House of Julia Felix faced the main street. Weber was intrigued by the inscriptions on the house's wall. They turned out to be advertisements and political campaign notices.
World History
