Silhouettes Beneath Vesuvius

Tis the stories of what life, and the people in it, is like in it and in the region of Campania as a whole… demonstrating the heart of society, its order and organization, pomp and ceremony; its places of frenzied domestic activities, its hospitality, celebration, and pleasures; its underlying disorganization, its disloyal and unfriendliness, subservient to an Emperor in Rome, who focuses much of his attention on diplomacy, trade and the cultural life of the Empire, ordering theatres built and promoting athletic games; all which enamor Campania with wealth; while the eyes of Roman traditionalists, felt he undermined the dignity and authority of the person, status, and office of Emperor.

The power of Rome is seen by Campanians as corrupt and there are always factions of resentment between Pompeii and Rome.

Alas, there is a period of seemingly peace... but even a decade later, the undertow of Rome undermines every fiber of Pompeii’s and Campania’s well-being.

Even as Pompeii prospers, it feels the grind of Rome... it is a city that meets its needs, both by locally produced goods as well as by imported goods all along the Mediterranean basin and beyond. Export and import activities of merchants, particularly of Pompeian traders are regulated by Rome, thru political means and raising of taxes.

Pompeii is the entrepôt (a port, city, or other center to which goods are brought for import and export, and for collection and distribution) for the Sarno River valley and very well connected with other river towns.

Pompeiians live a prosperous life and depict their wealth onto the wall paintings and in their structures. But it is Rome that continues to manipulate politics in Campania.

The Campanian area is rich in typical Mediterranean food products, including olives, olive-oil, and wine. The inhabitants eat a lot of vegetables, fruit, bread, olives, cheese, lentils, chickpeas. These frequently consumed foods are the ones traded routinely. We also note that, beans, melons, almonds, and nuts are found in the houses of Pompeii.

Beside agriculture, due to the close proximity of the seaside, many Campanians, particularly Pompeiians, the fishing industry is also enhanced. Consequently, agricultural products are the most sold items, but also handicrafts and luxury products have a great importance in the sense of trade.

In the surrounding fields of Pompeii, there is a great production of oil, wine, cereals, fruit and vegetables. Pompeii, supported by other Campania cities, hosts the merchants coming from other regions in its termopolum (consists of inns and taverns) where foreigner merchants can buy wine, eat, and also have sexual experiences with female slaves... yet another industry, slavery, particularly for the gladiatorial combat circuit, cheap labor, and servants....