As a big fan of ancient history, I couldn't miss out on seeing Pompeii and Herculaneum while I was in Naples.
What initially overwhelmed me was the scale of this ancient city...It took us 4 1/2 hours in the unbearable heat to cover the place!
As you explore inside the walls, you will discover a variety of dwellings - from modest to magnificent it is amazing how well these interiors were preserved.
A typical house in Pompeii was rectangular in plan. Windows were only used internally and faced out onto the central courtyards. The atriums were covered with a sloping roof which was open in such a way to allow rainwater into the implucium. The bedrooms were then positioned around this central area along with a reception and dining room.
Towards the back of the villas you would find the kitchen as well as the storehouses.
Still to this day, and even more so now that I have seen it in person, I am amazed at how advanced this civilization was. So many of the techniques used back then are being implemented today when we design new homes. Especially in Australia where a floor plan like the ones found in Pompeii perfectly suit our warmer climate.
After Pompeii we made our way to Herculcneum. Significantly smaller, this place is still undergoing extensive excavating as well as facing the problem of a densely populated suburb which could perhaps be covering something as big as Pompeii!
The condition of the frescos were impeccable and the detailing in the exterior walls was simply breathtaking...
A also fell in love with the tiles - both on the walls and floors. The colours were so vivid and something I would definately like to see more of in today's interiors.
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