Pompeii and Herculaneum

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Pompeii and Herculaneum: Mount Vesuvius GEOGRAPHICAL CONTEXT Physical environment: the geographical setting, natural features and resources of Pompeii and Herculaneum The physical environment and geographical setting: * Pompeii and Herculaneum are located in Campania – a fertile region 200 kilometres south of Rome.The fertility of the soil, rich in phosphorus and potash is due to eruptions of Mt Vesuvius over times. * Mt Vesuvius is part of a chain of volcanoes, which includes Mt Etna and Mt Stromboli. Earthquakes and tremors were common to the area. Vitruvius and Strabo mention Mt Vesuvius and its past history of eruptions. * Near Vesuvius was an area knows as the Plegraean Fields (burning fields), where geothermal activity produced steam and bubbling mud. The Romans built hot spa health resorts in the area at Baia. * The climate was moderate with cooling breezes in summer and short winters. The mild climate and natural beauty of the environment attracted wealthy Romans to build holiday homes in the area. * Pompeii and Herculaneum were on the coast of the bay known today as the Bay of Naples. * The River Sarnus, which flowed into the bay, was navigable for some distance. The bay provided safe anchorage for boats and a Roman fleet was stationed at Misenum. Sources * Pliny the Elder. “How am I to describe the coast of Campania. A fertile region so blessed with the pleasant scenery that it was manifestly the work of nature in happy mood? The indeed there is that wonderful and life-sustaining and healthy atmosphere that lasts all the year through. Embracing a climate so mil. Plains so fertile. Hills sosunny. Woodlands so secure and groves so shady. Campania has a wealth of different kinds of forest. Breezes from many mountains. An abundance of corn.Vines and Olives. Splendid fleeces produced by its sheep. Fine-necked

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