Pompeii was originally settled around the 7th century BC by the Oscan people. Pompeii was a port city and it was in a prime location for trade as well as farming. The rich volcanic soil from earlier eruptions of Mount Vesuvius created fertile farmland for grapes and olive trees.
In the 5th century, the city was conquered by the Samnites and was later taken over by the Romans. It became an official Roman colony in 80 BC. The Romans called it "Colonia Veneria Cornelia Pompeii."
The city of Pompeii was a popular vacation spot for the Romans. It is estimated that between 10,000 and 20,000 people lived in the city. Many wealthy Romans had summer homes in Pompeii and would live there during the summer months.
Pompeii was a typical Roman city. It was here that much of the business of the city was carried out. There were also temples to Venus, Jupiter, and Apollo near the forum. An aqueduct carried water into the city to be used in the public baths and fountains. The rich even had running water in their homes.
The people of Pompeii enjoyed their entertainment. There was a large amphitheater that could seat around 20,000 people for gladiator games. There were also a number of theaters for plays, religious celebrations, and musical concerts.
In the 5th century, the city was conquered by the Samnites and was later taken over by the Romans. It became an official Roman colony in 80 BC. The Romans called it "Colonia Veneria Cornelia Pompeii."
The city of Pompeii was a popular vacation spot for the Romans. It is estimated that between 10,000 and 20,000 people lived in the city. Many wealthy Romans had summer homes in Pompeii and would live there during the summer months.
Pompeii was a typical Roman city. It was here that much of the business of the city was carried out. There were also temples to Venus, Jupiter, and Apollo near the forum. An aqueduct carried water into the city to be used in the public baths and fountains. The rich even had running water in their homes.
The people of Pompeii enjoyed their entertainment. There was a large amphitheater that could seat around 20,000 people for gladiator games. There were also a number of theaters for plays, religious celebrations, and musical concerts.