Take a step back in time and learn what life was like in the historic city of Pompeii.

Pompeii is a popular historic site in Italy. Every day, there are heaps of Pompeii tours operating to show visitors the ruins. As you stroll through the ruins, you’ll get an idea about what life used to be like before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Let’s rewind time and learn about life in Pompeii!

Food and dining

Unlike traditional homes today, home kitchens in Pompeii were located in the back of the house and were quite small. The kitchens featured an open hearth for cooking, where pots and pans would be set over burning wood or charcoal.

Traditional meals were quite simple. All food was locally sourced, so the main source of protein came from fish. Lunch was usually a light meal followed by a siesta during the summer months. For dinner, meals would consist of anything from fish to chicken to ham.

Dining looked a bit different for the high-class citizens of Pompeii. They would often host extravagant feasts with imported proteins including flamingos and even giraffes. The expensive feasts would typically wrap up with rich desserts to finish off the indulgent evening.

Fashion and adornment

Because Pompeii was a trade and travel hub, wealthier residents were in the know about all the latest fashion trends. However, most women wore long pleated dresses that were adorned with brooches. The Roman beauty ideal for women was bright red lips, dark eyes and a white face. Many women also dyed their hair blonde but changed hairstyles with the ever-evolving fashion ideals.

Entertainment and activities

Entertainment was an important part of Pompeii, just like it is anywhere you visit today.

  • The amphitheater

The amphitheater was the most popular entertainment spot in Pompeii. The main spectacle was gladiator combats, which typically lasted two or three days. People from neighbouring villages would come to Pompeii to watch these violent fights.

Gladiator combats weren’t the only events that took place in the amphitheatre. Citizens also enjoyed theatre performances from comedies to dramas. There were also musical performances and other entertaining shows for locals and visitors alike.

  • Bathhouses

Bathhouses played an important role in daily life in Pompeii. Citizens would visit the bathhouses daily to socialise and relax with neighbours and friends. Regardless of status, everybody visited the bathhouses. From steam rooms to huge pools, these were a staple for the community.

  • Festivals

Another form of entertainment in Pompeii were festivals. There were various festivals that took place throughout the year. The festivals had religious roots and were important in the lives of Pompeii citizens. One festival included the Festival of Vulcanalia to honour the God of Fire. Another festival was the Festival of Diana to honour the goddess of hunting and wild animals.

  • Brothels

Another popular form of entertainment in ancient Pompeii was visiting a brothel. Prostitution was legal and it was standard practice for men to partake in this activity. When visiting the ruins of Pompeii, you will see various brothel venues, decorated with elaborate frescos.

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