Question

What do the plans and reconstructions of Roman houses reveal about the activities and values of their residents? What does the reconstruction of Pompeii’s city layout reveal about civic life there?

Answer 1

Answer: Thanks to volcanic deposits, archaeologists were able to reconstruct Pompeii.

Explanation:

Hidden under volcanic material, the city of Pompeii remained preserved from the weather but also the looting incursions. Archaeological endeavors today have come to know about the appearance and life of Pompeii. This city is often said to have "remained trapped in time." The three-kilometer-long walls enclose a 65-acre town. Public buildings are mostly grouped in three areas: the forum in the southwestern part of the city, with a smaller triangular forum in the center of the southern city walls, and an amphitheater with palestra in the east. In the center was the town square, which was surrounded by buildings of various uses. The plaza featured a religious object intended for the deities Jupiter, Junona, and Minerva. Not far from the heart of the city was the Doric Temple, a large theater, a training ground, and a small covered theater.

Not far from it was the temple of Zeus and Isis and the oldest Samnitic training ground. There was an amphitheater on the east side of the town. The excavation of hundreds of houses has given us an insight into the architecture of this city. Based on these details, historians have concluded that the inhabitants of Pompeii lived a peaceful and comfortable life. In a small area next to the town, there were wealthy agricultural estates, where the wealthiest inhabitants had their residences. There was also a public house in the city where prostitutes were slaves from all parts of Rome. Among the remains of Pompeii are several buildings that evoke the everyday life of citizens: numerous bathing areas, bakeries with mills, various public houses, shrines, theaters, an open office for weight control, and measures and markets.