Allison Emmerson, an Associate Professor of Roman Archeology at Tulane University and director of the Pompeii I.14 Project, explores the rich tapestry of everyday life in Pompeii before disaster struck. She reveals how the bustling marketplaces and restaurants catered to a diverse population, showcasing middle-class life often overshadowed by elite narratives. Emmerson discusses recent archaeological discoveries that shed light on the communal dining culture and the socio-economic dynamics affected by wealth and class disparities, providing a relatable glimpse into ancient Roman society.
The bustling urban life of Pompeii featured a vibrant culinary scene, showcasing fast food and sit-down dining, reflecting modern social habits.
Recent archaeological studies emphasize the social stratification in Pompeian society, revealing the impacts of wealth disparity on the lives of lower-class citizens.
Deep dives
Life in Pompeii Before the Eruption
Pompeii, a thriving Roman city, was home to around 15,000 residents and boasted a vibrant culinary scene, with numerous fast food venues and sit-down restaurants catering to its citizens. The city's proximity to the nutrient-rich volcanic soil benefited agriculture, leading to a diverse array of food options, including fish stews and spiced wines. Recent archaeological studies have shifted focus from the elite's mansions to the lifestyles of lower and middle-class Pompeians, uncovering a more comprehensive understanding of daily life during this era. Such insights reveal that Pompeii's streets were bustling with diverse businesses and culinary offerings, highlighting a complex urban life not unlike modern cities.
Archaeological Discoveries at Site 114
Alison Emerson, a professor of Roman archaeology, has been excavating Site 114 in Pompeii to explore the lives of common citizens, unearthing compelling evidence about everyday activities and trades. The site features a mix of businesses, including a restaurant that served both fast food and sit-down dining options, showcasing the similarities in dining habits to contemporary practices. Remarkably, a discovery of a peppercorn from India highlights the city's connection to international trade networks, indicating that lower-class residents had access to flavors and ingredients typically reserved for the affluent. These findings underscore the importance of examining less-studied sites to gain a broader perspective on Pompeian social dynamics.
The Impact of the Roman Conquest on Pompeii
Following the social war, Pompeii's transition from an independent city-state to a Roman settlement brought significant changes, marked by increasing inequality among its citizens. The influx of wealthy Romans transformed the social landscape, benefitting local elites while leaving many lower-class citizens impoverished. As new wealth entered the city, the local population was increasingly marginalized, and evidence suggests that as much as 30-40% of Pompeii's population was enslaved. This social stratification reveals the complex tapestry of Pompeian society during a period of political upheaval, illustrating how the consequences of the Roman Empire were felt throughout the city.
The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
The catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, likely occurring around October 24, 79 AD, unleashed a torrent of ash, pumice, and superheated gases that engulfed Pompeii, leading to the city's tragic demise. The eruption's initial violent phase produced pyroclastic flows that were instantly fatal, while earlier signs like earthquakes were largely ignored by the citizens, resulting in a false sense of security. Archaeological studies indicate possible delays in evacuation, with many residents managing to flee; however, the second day brought destruction that trapped thousands in an unyielding ash cover. Today, the remnants of Pompeii reveal striking plaster casts of the victims, immortalizing the moment of disaster and providing critical insights into the lives lost in this ancient city.
October 24th, 79. Pompeii is one of the crown jewels of the Roman Empire, a bustling city that serves as a coastal retreat for Rome's elite. But Pompeii also has a large, often overlooked middle-class population. They don't live in Pompeii's massive villas. Instead, they live a typical urban life – shopping at small businesses and haggling with street vendors. They even go to restaurants. And one of these restaurants—still being excavated by archeologists today—may unlock a whole new side to the story of this doomed city.
So, before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, how did everyday people live in Pompeii? And how can just one city block show us that life 2,000 years ago might not be so different from today?
Special thanks to our guest, Allison Emmerson, associate professor of Roman Archeology at Tulane University and director of the Pompeii I.14 Project.