Campania, A Brief History
The region of Campania lies to the south of Rome, spreads around the Bay of Naples and is dominated by Mount Vesuvius, an active (even today!) volcano. The first recorded people to occupy the area were the Aurunci and the Opici, but by the 8th century B.C., the first Greek colony was established in Cuma (north of Naples) and spread out along the coast. By the 6th century B.C. the Etruscans founded a city at Capua and the name "Campania" was used to refer to the area's inhabitants. The warlike Samnites eventually conquered the area in the late 5th century B.C. and in 338 B.C. the Capuans signed a treaty with Rome in order to protect themselves. In 108 B.C. Capua was established a Roman colony and Latin became its official language. The Romans were here to stay and their influence spread out over the entire region during the following centuries. Cities, towns and villages were steadily Romanised and villas sprung up around the coast, making the area a playground for rich Romans. In A.D. 79 the region was devastated by the eruption of Vesuvius and the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum were destroyed.
Mount Vesuvius
Why not climb Mount Vesuvius and learn about the events of the eruption in AD 79? Start from base camp, and follow the flags to the top of the crater. For your own safety please do not stray from the designated paths. You will have a chance to take photos at the top of the volcano, before descending back to base camp, where you can purchase souvenirs of your climb!
Pliny and Vesuvius
Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus (Pliny the Younger) is famous for two letters he wrote to his friend Cornelius Tacitus. These letters contain a detailed description of the eruption of Vesuvius in A.D. 79, and how Pliny's uncle (Pliny the Elder) lost his life trying to rescue people.
Herculaneum
A peaceful academic town that, legend says, was founded by Hercules on his way back from Iberia. At HistoryWalker's Herculaneum, you will find two thermae (bath houses), a palaestra (gymnasium), basilica, harbour (two small beaches), thermopolium (fast food joint), the Imperial College and the Villa of the Papyri. You can also take a guided tour to see some of the excavated buildings.
Pompeii
A bustling town, south of Vesuvius and slightly inland from the sea, nestling beside the River Sarno. The origins of Pompeii are unclear and we do not know whether its name is Greek or Italian in derivation, so it is either from Greek Pémpo or Pompé, or Oscan Pompe. Either way, the city probably started before the 8th century B.C. as an agricultural society. At HistoryWalker's Pompeii, you will find a bustling business district, next to a spacious forum, two thermae, a theatre, odion, palaestra and amphitheatre. On the road to Herculaneum there is the Villa of the Mysteries.
Observe Vesuvius. Not long ago it was covered with the grapevine's green shade, and a famous grape wet, nay drowned the vats here. Bacchus loved the shoulders of this mountain more than the hills of Nysa, satyrs used to join their dances here. Here was a haunt of Venus, more pleasant than Lacedaemon to her, here was a place where Hercules left his name. It all lies buried by flames and mournful ash. Even the gods regret that their powers extended to this.(Martial, Epigram 4.44)
