Preview

Pompeii and Herculaneum - Changing Methods

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
406 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Pompeii and Herculaneum - Changing Methods
There are various impacts of the changing methods of 19th and 20th century’s archaeologists in Pompeii and Herculaneum. Changes by archaeologists like Fiorelli, Spinazzoa and Maiuri have impacted and contributed to the discovery and knowledge of the past and attracted many archaeologists, historians, scientists and even tourists from around the world. Giuiseppe Fiorelli was an archaeologist who is known for the methods he used in the excavation at Pompeii.
The top down excavation was one method of Fiorelli’s. Before Fiorelli’s method, most buildings were excavated from the side, often resulting in the destruction of walls and other valuable evidence. Fiorelli then introduced the top down excavation which worked from the top to the bottom. It still caused some damages but it was still made to identify and record. Another method of Fiorelli’s was subdividing Pompeii into name regions and numbered street blocks (insulae). Buildings were identified by three numbers region, block and entrance. This system made a huge impact on the excavation of Pompeii as it made it easier for archaeologist to accurately record where objects were found and examine the exact location of a particular scene/event. Vittorio Spinazzola was another archaeologist with a different method of excavation. Spinazzola reconstructed facades and streetscapes, reconstructed upper storeys of buildings and recorded the phases of excavation with photographs. He was known for using evidence from the remains of buildings and paintings of Roman houses to reconstruct upper storeys and balconies which has been destroyed during the eruption. Spinazzola used photography to record the stages of his excavation. These photographs have provided valuable information for conservators and other archaeologists in later years. Amedeo Maiuri was the Superintendent of Excavations, while excavating he unearthed significant new areas along the Street of Abundance (via dell’Abbondanza) such as the amphitheatre and

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Satisfactory Essays

    06.06 Lab Questions

    • 438 Words
    • 2 Pages

    The bodies in Herculaneum differ from those in Pompeii differ by the way they were preserved is unique and gives an insight into the life and death of the city. In Pompeii although the 2000…

    • 438 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Better Essays

    Vindolanda and Pompei

    • 922 Words
    • 5 Pages

    research from the sites at Vindolanda and Pompeii, explain the similarities and differences between the two sites.…

    • 922 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Excavations are the archaeologist’s main means of recording and researching archaeological remains, but makes up only a portion of his work. Other work includes working for local authorities ,advising on the implications of planning archaeological digs, keeping in mind the conservation, display and research of artefacts and also working for universities ,giving lectures and carrying out educational work.…

    • 1164 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    6.6 lab

    • 304 Words
    • 1 Page

    5. Unlike Pompeii the organic items are preserved extremely well. Herculaneum had only a few bodies where as Pompeii they found more bodies then Herculaneum.…

    • 304 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Vesuvius In Pompeii

    • 2577 Words
    • 11 Pages

    The eruption of Mt Vesuvius in Pompeii is as influential today as it was in ancient times. This is for many reasons, the primary reason being the unique preservation of structures, frescos (wall paintings) and many other things.…

    • 2577 Words
    • 11 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    At the northern side of the Forum is the Temple of Jupiter. Built in 150 B.C it was Pompeii's main temple. A Capitolium in structure and in pure Italic style, the temple was constructed on a high base, with a double flight of stairs at its front. Inside the temple lay the "cella", accessible only to the priests, and which contained three stands at its far end. Theses stands were occupied by statues of Juno, Jupiter, and Minerva. In 62 C.E., the temple was seriously damaged in an earthquake, and was in the process of being repaired until Mt Vesuvius erupted. In this physical source some problems such as the earthquake and the volcanic eruption had damaged the temple which could have destroyed some of the important things the temple and priests would have done regarding the worship of the gods. The information this temple provides is what and how did the people of Pompeii worshipped their gods and how sacrifices were performed by the priest. These things would help us understand the gods and worship as well as how religion affected everyday life of the Pompeians. Being physical remains from the ancient city it would be referred as a reliable source to work off.…

    • 1217 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    7th century BC – Etruscan influences begins to influence the style of the early town of Pompeii as the northern tribe gains strength.…

    • 1431 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    What do you think the artist is trying to convey by highlighting the literacy of both people?…

    • 512 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Excavations have been taking place in Pompeii and Herculaneum since before the 1800s. The attempts at preservation of these two historical archaeological sites have been continuous for years, and technological advances have played a large part in the protection of these sites.…

    • 502 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Pompeii Imperialism

    • 483 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Although we often think of Pompeii as the typical Roman town, it was not always so. By looking at the public buildings and political records, one can see that the period surrounding the Roman colonization of Pompeii (89 BCE) brought about changes big and small. Although most of the Forum had been built prior to the colonization, political and architectural transitions are apparent.…

    • 483 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Best Essays

    Etruscan society thrived on the Italian peninsula from 900 B.C.E to 200 B.C.E. Many insights into Etruscan times are derived from the excavation of their tombs. Etruscan tombs provide evidence of an organised and sophisticated society, which had the capacity for development and deep thinking. This is revealed by the conclusions which can be drawn about the way they lived. The contents and structure of the tombs reveal the importance of religion in the Etruscan society. In addition, their inventive-like entertainment is indicated through their tombs, revealing a flourishing culture.…

    • 1197 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Best Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Pompeii was a great city in ancient Rome that was abruptly destroyed when the seemingly harmless and docile Mt. Vesuvius unexpectedly erupted destroying the city of Pompeii and the bordering city of Herculaneum. Before this tragedy struck Pompeii was a very wealthy city and a staple of Roman culture. Located just 10 Kilometers from Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii appeared to be nothing more than a wealthy city with a view of great mountain until its one defining moment in history changed everything. Where you could once find a beacon of life and culture you can now only find deserted buildings and plaster casts of the casualties caused by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. When the ruins of Pompeii were discovered we as a culture were exposed to a world that was still unknown to us. The ash covering Pompeii hid away a world that was once very great and powerful, and when it was discovered a whole knew perspective on the history of Roman culture arose because the city was preserved, and it was a way for historians to see exactly what a Roman city looked like. The fact that it was untouched by man for so many years gave people a greater understanding on what life might of been like during the height of the Roman empire.…

    • 2126 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Why Is Pompeii Important

    • 653 Words
    • 3 Pages

    The excavation of Pompeii was and continues to be a difficult process, requiring the use of many tools, techniques, people and as a result, time. The excavation of Pompeii began unknowingly in 1748 by Carlo Di Borbone, a surveying engineer.…

    • 653 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    1 The Forum Of Pompeii

    • 744 Words
    • 7 Pages

    The temple of Jupiter, at the end of the Forum nearest Vesuvius, was probably the most…

    • 744 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The town was founded around the 7th–6th century BC by the Osco or Oscan’s, a people of central Italy, on what was an important crossroad between Cumae, Nola and Stabile. It had already been used as a safe port by Greek and Phoenician sailors. According to Strabo, Pompeii was also captured by the Etruscans, and in fact recent [timeframe?] excavations have shown the presence of Etruscan inscriptions and a 6th-century BC necropolis. Pompeii was captured for the first time.…

    • 794 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays

Related Topics