Dionysus And Herculanesus: A Brief History Of Pompeii

Part one: A.
They worshipped them at regular hours in the many shrines and temples of the city, but they also devoted a time to them in the intimacy of their own homes. Hercules, Bacchus and Venus, based on the Greek gods Heracles, Dionysus and Aphrodite, were often found in the lararium, the shrine at which the head of the household would worship his ancestors, along with members of his family and his slaves. The lararia tend to feature paintings of Hercules, the legendary founder of
Pompeii, while in small domestic shrines and courtyard gardens, theatrical masks and busts of Bacchus glorify the god of wine.
The people also rendered homage to Venus, who as the city’s official god, was expected to bring them luck and prosperity. Venus occupied a place of honour in the lararia and reigned over a large sanctuary close to the Forum.
B.
Human remains have been viewed from both Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Bodies were first discovered at pompeii because there was a large number of them but now are being discovered at Herculaneum. Actual forms of bodies have been preserved at Pompeii which makes it far more accessible for visitors to see actual people and what and where they were when the eruption happened. Sara Bisel, who was the first to study human remains at Herculaneum was concerned about what to do with the skeletons once they were exposed. Casting techniques are used to create replicas of human remains which are then displayed where the original skeleton was found. This means that the original material can be studies and preserved
appropriately.

Part two: agoge was a training program that the Spartan men were to go through in order to be a warrior. At birth boys were inspected and if they were found to be worthy they would not be banished. Up until the age of 7 the boys were raised by their mothers at home. Once they reached 7 they were take off to barracks to live with other boys (agelai). They were taught physical and military exercises as well as the basics of reading and writing. At 23 they were front line soldiers and at 30 they entered full citizenship.

“council of elders” was next in power to the king. Had 30 members including 2 kings aged 60 and over. Elected by the apella for life terms by public acclamation. Advised by kings and acted as high court of justice. Could over rule any unacceptable decision of the apella. Acted as court of justice for criminal cases and could chose if a person died or if they were exiled.

The economy of Pompeii owed much to two factors, the fertility of the Campanian soil and the town’s position as the harbour for the surrounding region. Wall paintings indicate that a wide range of fruits and vegetables were grown in the region. In these, as in grain the city would have been self-sufficient. The two most significant agricultural products were undoubtedly wine and olive oil. Both of these were widely exported and they must have contributed greatly to the wealth of the rich landed families.
The one exception to this predominantly agricultural economy was the production of woollen goods. The wool was produced in the highlands of Samnium and Lucania. The widow Eumachia built the large courtyard building in the Forum to serve as the headquarters of the trade association of wool traders and fullers. Election posters that were found refer to many other trade associations such as transport, dealers in poultry, fruit and vegetables, fishermen, bakers and goldsmiths.
Pottery was another flourishing local industry, both for domestic use and to supply the containers in which wine, oil, garum and other local products could be stored and shipped. Many small one roomed workshops are found throughout Pompeii.
In the Mensa Ponderaria, weights and measures were examined to ensure they were uniform with the official Roman units or weight checking equipment.
Commercial establishments in Herculaneum seem to have been small scale, perhaps sized to meet local demands. Fullers were well represented, though not nearly as extensively as in Pompeii. With the exception of net making businesses that catered to fishermen, other trades in the town paralleled those in Pompeii.
Wall paintings, inscription, graffiti, mosaics, frescoes, various artefacts and studies of excavation sites, provide an insight into the various industries and occupations at both
Pompeii and Herculaneum. Allotments of land called kleroi was the basis of spartan economy. Obliged to contribute to mess (syssition) on a regular basis. Failure to do so meant loss of citizenship rights.

Had 2 kings. No retiring age, Herodotus claims that kings were arguing who should go to war and then it was decided that one would go and one would stay. This was a permanent rule. Each month kings and ephors exchange oaths. Spartan king was chief priest, commander in chief of the army, judge and law giver. Guarded by 100 picked men, greatest honour. Could be fired. Regarded some where between gods and men and held their office for as long as the gods pleased. Every ninth year ephors looked to the skkies for a kings approval or disapproval. Offered sacrfices to Apollo every month as their general duty of kings. On death special ceremonies were carrried out. Declared the late king was the “best they ever had”.

Part three:
POPPAEA SABINA

TACITUS, SEUTONIUS and DIO CASSIUS TALK HOSTILE OF AGGRIPPINA.

During the reign of claudius