Pompeii and HerculaneumGeographical Context

The Physical Environment

Located in Campania, a fertile region 200km south of Rome.

Fertile soil, rich in phosphorus and potash, due to the eruptions of Mt Vesuvius over millennia.

Geothermal activity (producing steam & bubbling mud) in nearby Phlegraean Fields (burning fields). The Romans built hot spa health resorts at Baia.

In ancient times, Pompeii & Herculaneum were on the coast of the bay known today as the Bay of Naples.

The Physical EnvironmentThe climate was temperate with cooling coastal breezes in summer and short winters. The mild climate and the natural beauty of the environment attracted wealthy Romans to build holiday homes in the area.

The River Sarnus which flowed into the bay was navigable for some distance. The bay provided safe anchorage for boats and a Roman fleet was stationed at Misenum.

Vesuvius

BaiaeMisenum

Phlegraean Fields

Herculaneum

Bay of Naples

River Sarnus

Pompeii

Natural features and resources• Campania had an unrivalled

reputation for produce in Italy• Agriculture and fishing major

industries.• A Pompeian specialty was

garum, a fermented fish sauce.• Salt from the sea was used to

preserve foods. The Herculaneum Gate was originally called the Porta Saliniensis, which means Salt Gate.

The Herculaneum Gate

Natural features and resources• Vineyards thrived in the area around

Vesuvius. • Other crops included wheat and

barley, vegetables such as cabbages and chickpeas, fruits such as figs and olives.

• Sheep and goats were grazed and wool was an important regional product.

• Pompeii and Herculaneum were both market towns for the surrounding agricultural hinterlands.

• Ancient writers refer to the Campanian region as fruitful, abundant and fair.

Wall painting from the House of the Centenary at Pompeii showing Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, with Vesuvius in the background.