I usually try to write as the day progresses to avoid this kind of omission, but yesterday we were so busy that I was unable to do so.
After Vesuvius, we visited Herculaeum scavi, which translates to the archaeological site of the Herculean ruins. The city of Herculaneum was obliterated (covered) by superheated mud and volcanic ash when Vesuvius blew its top in 79 A.D.
The site is still active, and preservation is an ongoing task. One can walk through this ancient city and wander through buildings, some of which still have intact roofs.
My shirts still weren’t dry, so I clipped them with a carabiner on the back of my pack while walking around Herculaneum. It actually helped a good bit.
The city is truly fascinating. You can see original tilework and marble floors in some of the buildings. Some graffiti in Latin is still visible etched on the walls.
The columns are actually made out of brick, but are covered in a material that is sculpted to be columnesque.
The paintings and artwork in some of the buildings are still intact and are intricately detailed.
All in all, it is really a frozen moment in time when the volcanic matter rained down, instantly freezing the entire city in its tracks… Including the people.
