History Extra podcast
Why were the Romantics obsessed with Mount Vesuvius?
Jan 10, 2024
John Brewer, author of Volcanic: Vesuvius in the Age of Revolutions, discusses why the Romantics were obsessed with Mount Vesuvius, the changing perceptions of the eruption, the connection between volcanoes and earth sciences, climbing Mount Vesuvius with colorful guides, and the impact of Mount Vesuvius on Romantic society.
28:32
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Quick takeaways
- The excavations in Herculaneum and Pompeii revealed a glimpse into ordinary life and the true extent of the eruption's impact, emphasizing the contrast between human tragedy and divine punishment.
- Mount Vesuvius's association with scientific investigation and its role in understanding the Earth's history led to a fascination with volcanic activity and an emotional response to nature.
Deep dives
The gradual excavation process in Herculaneum and Pompeii
The excavations in Herculaneum and Pompeii began in the 1730s and continued into the early 19th century. The discoveries in Herculaneum revealed a glimpse into ordinary life with artifacts such as surgical instruments, cooking implements, and household goods. In the mid-18th century, the focus shifted to Pompeii, where groups of bodies were found, revealing the human tragedy and the true extent of the eruption's impact. In the early 19th century, stories were created, connecting the bodies to a narrative of human tragedy and divine punishment, emphasizing the contrast between a Christian view and the volcanic eruption.
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