Growing up in Hong Kong: Pompeii

At dawn on August 25, 79 A.D., a violent explosion of toxic gases and burning cinders from an eruption from Mt Vesuvius that had started a day earlier caused time to come to a stop at Pompeii. The ash that buried the town "mummified" the entire city. The eruption of 79 AD which buried the town in ash actually captured a moment in time. Under the ash everything remained as it was at the time of the eruption. Artworks and buildings were preserved. Hence, we were able to see exactly how the Romans lived at that time.

We joined a guided tour. Probably not as detailed as an audio guide but certainly more animated and at times x-rated (had to keep diverting Tasha's attention).

Pompeii was a seaport and something of a resort town. The Romans were very wealthy at that time, hence food, wine and sex were very prominently displayed in the ruins. And the guide made sure we noticed. He asked us: how did the sailor who just got off the ship find the local brothel? There were signs of course - on the pavement in the form of a male organ pointing in the direction of the brothel! How creative! I am surprised Geoff didn't take a picture of the sign......

The town square

Pompeii had very good road systems. In the picture below, the road was for horses and carriages. The 3 stones signified the end of the road. The pavements on the side are for people - so they didn't have to walk on horse poo! There was a road that led all the way to Rome, hence the saying all roads leads to Rome.

They also had advance lighting system on the road. If you look at the picture below, you will see white marbles embedded on the road - these "cat eyes" reflected light at night so the night traveller can see the road.

Amongst other things, he also took us to visit a brothel. Inside the building, there were small cubicles on each side of the hallway. Above the hallway were some erotic frescoes (the guide said it served like a menu...not sure how true). Evidently these cubicles were the spaces where the ladies would "conduct their work". Personally, I think that the working areas were a little on the small side. There is no way that anyone could have stretched out as the frescoes suggest.....unless they were really, really short in the first century!