A Stroll Through Herculaneum

Rather than offering an overview of a particular class of antiquities, archaeological site or museum, this entry in Clio’s blog consists of some the writer’s favorite images compiled from visits to the ancient Roman seaside resort town of Herculaneum, which was buried, like it’s more famous neighbor, Pompeii, in the famous eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Each image includes a brief descriptive caption. Some useful online resources about Herculaneum are listed at the bottom. Enjoy!

Fourth Style fresco, back wall Hall of the Augustals, Herculaneum

Hall of the Augustals, Battle of Hercules & Acheloo, Herculaneum

Hall of the Augustals, Entrance of Hercules into Olympus, Herculaneum

Hall of the Augustals, inauguration dedicatory plaque, Herculaneum

A Taberna, or cook shop. The large pottery jars set into the counter top contained hot and cold foods that could quickly be dished out to customers. This was basically the “fast food” of the time.

The interior or back room of the Taberna. The huge ceramic vessels sunk into the floor, called Dolia, held large stocks of staple goods needed for food preparation.

Black & White Mosaic Floor in a Corridor, House of the Alcove, Herculaneum

Frigidarium (cold room) plunge pool in the Forum Baths at Herculaneum. The roof above the pool has collapsed and vegetation now grows in profusion above.

Marine Mosaic Floor, women’s section, Forum Baths, Herculaneum

Men’s changing room of the Forum Baths, Herculaneum. The surviving stucco and painted decoration is superb.

Mosaic floor, Women’s changing rooms, Central Baths, Herculaneum

Interior Fresco with Architectural Fantasy, House of the Wooden Screen, Herculaneum

Mosaic Panel, Neptune and Amphitrite, House of the Neptune Mosaic, Herculaneum

Nymphaeum opposite the Neptune Mosaic, House of the Neptune Mosaic, Herculaneum

House of the Mosaic Atrium, garden enclosed by portico. Most of the plants and trees currently growing on the site are the same as those in antiquity.

HERCULANEUM RESOURCES

1. Friends of Herculaneum Society – Engaged in raising awareness about Herculaneum, supporting research and promoting conservation of the site and objects found there.The society funds projects at Herculaneum and offers site visits. The Oxford chapter’s website includes a link to the US branch of the Society: http://www.herculaneum.ox.ac.uk/?q=Home%20Introduction

2. The British School at Rome Herculaneum page:  http://www.bsr.ac.uk/research/archaeology/ongoing-projects/herculaneum

3 . the Soprintendenza Speciale per i Beni Archeologici di Napoli e Pompei (the local Italian governmental heritage authority) http://www.pompeiisites.org/# . Their site, which covers Pompeii, Herculaneum and other sites around the Bay of Naple, is available in English and includes information on admission prices and times to the sites.

Advertisement