Pompeya y Herculano a finales del XIX. Descubriendo las ciudades del Vesubio. Eva Tobalina

Name: Pompeya y Herculano a finales del XIX. Descubriendo las ciudades del Vesubio. Eva Tobalina
Uploaded: 2020-05-14T09:02:11.000Z
Duration: 2 h 16 min 2 s

Introduction to the Conference

Overview of the Event

The conference features Professor Eva Toda-Gallina, who will discuss early 20th-century Italy and its theology with Pellegrino.

This is the last conference of the month, with plans to continue in January.

Upcoming Conferences

Four conferences are scheduled this week; one is led by Professor Bermejo on Israel at Azuria.

Another conference will focus on Constantinople in the early 20th century, presented by Dr. Eytor Fernández.

A final session will cover Cleopatra, led by Dr. Romero from Universidad de Llanos.

Exploration of Archaeological Richness

Contextualizing Pompeii and Herculaneum

The discussion centers around archaeological findings in Pompeii and Herculaneum within Campania, Italy.

Geographic Significance

The Gulf of Naples is located in Campania, south of Rome, characterized by its rich agricultural land due to Mount Vesuvius.

Historical Importance

Campania was known as "campagna felix," meaning fertile countryside, contributing to its wealth during Roman times.

The Dual Nature of Mount Vesuvius

Fertility vs. Danger

While Mount Vesuvius provides fertile soil for agriculture, it also poses significant volcanic risks to inhabitants.

Volcanic Activity History

Mount Vesuvius is an inactive volcano that can erupt unexpectedly; a notable eruption occurred in 79 AD.

Characteristics of Eruptions

Types of Eruptions

Unlike other Italian volcanoes like Etna that produce slow lava flows, Vesuvius has explosive Plinian eruptions characterized by ash clouds and toxic gases.

Historical Accounts

Pliny the Younger documented these deadly eruptions which expelled massive amounts of ash up to 30 km high.

Initial Reactions to Eruption

Community Response

Residents near Vesuvius did not initially panic during early signs of eruption due to previous experiences with minor activity.

Consequences on Day One

On the first day (August 28 or 29), despite significant ash emissions, nearby towns like Herculaneum experienced minimal immediate effects due to wind direction.

Volcanic Eruption and Its Impact on Herculaneum and Pompeii

The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius

The magma extended through the crater, reaching its edge. Upon arrival at the volcano's mouth, a 30 km high column of materials collapsed.

This collapse resulted in pyroclastic flows, which were incandescent at 400 degrees Celsius, advancing over 100 kilometers per hour while carrying toxic gas clouds.

Immediate Effects on Herculaneum

As the pyroclastic flows advanced towards Herculaneum, residents attempted to seek refuge at the city's docks but were met with disaster.

Archaeologists later discovered hundreds of bodies at the docks who died instantly from the scorching flows laden with poisonous vapors.

Transformation of Geography

The eruption not only caused immediate fatalities but also drastically altered Herculaneum's geography, moving it hundreds of meters away from its original coastline.

The city was buried under a mixture of lava, ash, and debris up to 26 meters deep, forming a hardened mass known as "Papa Monte."

Comparison with Pompeii

While Herculaneum faced devastating pyroclastic flows on October 28th to 29th in AD 79, Pompeii experienced ash accumulation without direct impact from these flows initially.

On the morning of October 29th, a final wave of toxic air passed near Pompeii; although it did not directly hit the city, it still caused significant casualties among its inhabitants.

Aftermath and Rediscovery

Unlike Herculaneum which was buried deeply by volcanic material, Pompeii remained covered by a thinner layer of ash and debris that allowed for some preservation.

Both cities were abandoned but not forgotten; local memory persisted regarding their existence despite being buried under layers of volcanic material.

Excavations and Historical Context

In areas where Pompeii lay hidden just below the surface, locals referred to it as "Xívita," recalling that there had once been a Roman city there.

Over centuries, excavations revealed artifacts left behind by looters searching for remnants from this ancient civilization.

Historical Significance

Although memories faded regarding Herculaneum’s exact location due to its burial depth (20 meters), Pompeii's site was more accurately remembered since excavations began in the late 16th century.

Political Context Leading to Excavation

By the early 18th century following events like the War of Spanish Succession and subsequent treaties transferring control over Naples to Austria led to increased interest in archaeological exploration in these regions.

The Story of Manuel Mauricio de Lorena and the Discovery of Ancient Statues

Introduction to Manuel Mauricio de Lorena

The subject is introduced as Manuel Mauricio de Lorena, known as the "prince of fish."

He was an enthusiast for antiquities, typical of the educated nobility in the 18th century.

Discovery of Statues in Resina

While attempting to dig a well in Resina, a local resident uncovered numerous statues and marble pieces instead of water.

Recognizing the significance, Manuel Mauricio decided to build a villa in Portici and initiated excavations to find more ancient artifacts.

Excavation Efforts and Findings

The prince's excavations aimed both to supply water for his villa and potentially discover more ancient remains.

He found various relics including stones, marbles, reliefs, and over two dozen statues; most are now lost.

Distribution of Artifacts

Some artifacts were used to decorate his villa or other residences across Europe; others were gifted to friends or scholars despite protests from Italian authorities.

Most findings from these clandestine excavations have been lost track of; however, some statues are believed to have adorned a theater scene.

Connection with Historical Figures

Notably, some statues were given by the prince to a general serving under the Austrian emperor.

These statues can still be seen today at the Albertinum in Dresden.

Transition of Ownership

After the general's death, his daughter sold these statues to Augustus III, King of Poland.

This king was also related through marriage to Maria Anna of Saxony who became Queen consort when her husband Charles Bourbon ascended as King of Naples.

Royal Interest in Excavation

With changing hands between kingdoms (from Austrians to Bourbons), interest grew around finding these ancient artifacts.

Charles Bourbon married Maria Anna knowing about the quality Roman-era statues discovered near Portici.

Official Excavations Begin

In 1738, under royal direction from both Charles Bourbon and Maria Anna, formal excavations commenced at Portici where previous discoveries had occurred.

The goal was not only archaeological but also aimed at enhancing royal collections with valuable art pieces.

Conclusion on Archaeological Significance

These early archaeological efforts marked significant beginnings for systematic exploration in the Gulf area around Naples.

Archaeological Discoveries in Herculaneum and Pompeii

The Context of Excavations

The discussion begins with King Charles of Bourbon, who commissioned Roque Joaquín de Alcubierre for archaeological work in the Gulf of Naples, particularly focusing on Herculaneum, which was buried under volcanic ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Herculaneum was completely covered by 10 to 26 meters of hard volcanic material known as "papamonte," making initial excavations challenging.

Early Excavation Techniques

Initial excavations were not extensive but rather involved creating tunnels to locate streets and houses beneath the ash, aiming to uncover valuable artifacts.

The Teatro del Culano was one of the first areas excavated; however, it remained largely hidden from view due to the tunneling method employed.

Challenges Faced During Excavation

Workers faced significant difficulties drilling through the tough papamonte. Visibility was poor, relying solely on torchlight, complicating navigation within the underground labyrinth.

There were instances of tunnel collapses and challenges in managing materials removed from tunnels, leading to uncertainty about what had been excavated.

Shifts in Focus: From Herculaneum to Pompeii

As excavation efforts yielded limited results—primarily marble statues and reliefs—the focus shifted towards Pompeii where more promising finds were anticipated.

Work began at Pompeii near a known Roman city site that had already revealed some remains just below the surface.

Key Discoveries and Developments

An engineer named Weber took charge of Herculaneum's excavation but faced pressure from King Charles to prioritize finding treasures over mapping out urban layouts.

Despite initial discouragement with findings at Pompeii, Weber's systematic approach eventually led back to Herculaneum after discovering significant treasures there.

The Villa of the Papyri

Weber uncovered an extraordinary site known as the Villa of the Papyri, believed to belong to Piso Caesoninus (father-in-law of Julius Caesar), showcasing grand architecture along the Tyrrhenian Sea coast.

The villa required similar tunneling techniques used previously at Herculaneum for its excavation. It revealed a magnificent recreational estate with distinct service and residential areas.

Villa of the Papyri: A Glimpse into Ancient Wealth

Architectural Marvel and Historical Significance

The Villa of the Papyri is described as a monumental estate featuring an enormous pool and adorned with valuable statues, including Roman copies of Greek artifacts made from precious materials.

Excavators were astonished by the villa's grandeur, which remains buried under volcanic ash. Access has only been possible through tunnels, highlighting its historical significance.

The villa dates back to the 1st century BC and 1st century AD, drawing parallels to modern-day California's Getty Museum, where a replica was constructed by collector Jean Paul Getty.

Getty’s replica not only mirrors the original structure but also includes replicas of all statues found at the site, preserving their original placements as discovered by excavators.

The Treasure Within: The Library of Calpurnius Piso

The true treasure of the Villa is identified as the library belonging to Calpurnius Piso, which contained hundreds of carbonized papyrus scrolls offering invaluable insights into Roman antiquity.

These scrolls provide a unique window into ancient civilization; if future generations could recover similar libraries today, they would gain profound knowledge about our current society.

Scholars believe that some texts in these scrolls are either lost or unknown works from antiquity that could reshape our understanding if deciphered.

Efforts in Recovery and Preservation

Interest in uncovering secrets from these papyri began in the mid-18th century when remnants of Piso's library were first discovered.

In 1756, priest Antonio Piallo designed a delicate machine aimed at unrolling charred papyrus rolls without causing further damage due to their fragile state after being buried for centuries.

Despite challenges in reading these carbonized scrolls, early efforts led to some successful readings published in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Modern Techniques and Discoveries

Recent advancements using electronic microscopy have allowed researchers to read previously inaccessible texts without physically unrolling them, leading to significant discoveries about ancient literature.

Notably, one roll revealed fragments from a book on civil wars written by Seneca’s father—an important find since no other fragments had survived until then.

Ongoing Research Challenges

Research on these papyri continues but remains arduous due to their condition. There is still much work needed to fully understand their contents and implications for historical scholarship.

While excavations at Pompeii yielded spectacular frescoes and statues starting in the mid-to-late 18th century, King Charles Bourbon took personal interest in overseeing these findings for both prestige and preservation purposes.

This structured overview captures key insights from discussions surrounding the Villa of the Papyri while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Excavations and the Legacy of Carlos III

The Ring and Departure to Madrid

Carlos de Borbón, later known as Carlos III of Spain, wore a significant ring during excavations in Naples. This ring was associated with a coin found at the site.

Before leaving for Madrid, one of his last actions was to remove the ring, adhering to a law he had enacted regarding artifacts from Naples.

Establishing Academic Standards

Carlos III established an academy where experts and scholars were tasked with cataloging findings from excavations. This included painters and engravers who documented artifacts meticulously.

Publications from this academy were not sold but distributed as gifts from the monarch, emphasizing exclusivity in sharing knowledge about archaeological discoveries.

Challenges in Publication

Octavio Antonio Bayardi, an erudite Italian scholar, was commissioned by Carlos III to compile findings into published works but initially focused solely on Hercules's life rather than broader archaeological insights.

His work resulted in five volumes dedicated only to Hercules before being replaced due to inefficiency; others took over the task of documenting antiquities more effectively.

Access Control at Excavation Sites

Artifacts discovered during excavations were stored in designated areas within Portigy, accessible only to authorized individuals approved by museum directors. Visitors had limited time with each piece to prevent unauthorized drawings or reproductions.

The intent behind these restrictions was to ensure that official publications remained the sole source of information about newly uncovered items.

Special Treatment for Obscene Artifacts

Due to numerous erotic artifacts unearthed during excavations, special rooms were created for these items at Pompeii and Herculaneum, reflecting societal attitudes towards such objects at the time.

Over time, catalogs began selling translations of Herculaneum antiquities widely; however, access to rooms containing obscene objects remained restricted until 1967 when they became part of public exhibitions at the Museo Arqueológico de Nápoles.

Restrictions on Access and Public Perception

Initially called "the secret cabinet," access was granted only to serious scholars and morally exemplary men; women and young people were prohibited from entering due to perceived moral concerns surrounding displayed artifacts.

Even into the 19th century up until 1967, visiting this cabinet required special permission reserved for adults deemed responsible enough for such exposure; this reflects historical attitudes toward sexuality and art in society.

Reactions from Scholars

The strict regulations imposed by King Carlos III led to frustration among contemporary art historians like Joao Han Joahim Pinkelman who criticized limitations placed on their research opportunities compared with other visitors allowed brief access under similar conditions.

Excavations in Pompeii and Herculaneum: A Historical Overview

Critique of Excavation Management

The discussion highlights the opinions of notable visitors to the museum, including Ed, who believed that excavations in Pompeii and Herculaneum would be better managed by Germans or Swiss rather than Italians or Spaniards due to access issues.

Binkleman's claims about Alcubierre are labeled as false, suggesting that his negative remarks stem from a lack of access to information rather than reflecting Alcubierre's qualifications.

Role of Women in Excavations

During the 18th and 19th centuries, excavations were predominantly led by women, particularly queens like Maria Carolina, who significantly advanced work in Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Maria Carolina was instrumental during her reign; she promoted excavation efforts which included significant discoveries such as the Temple of Isis in Pompeii. This period marked a rise in interest towards Egyptian culture among Europeans.

Cultural Impact of Discoveries

The discovery of the Temple of Isis sparked an early form of Egyptomania across Europe before direct exploration into Egypt began. The temple became a focal point for cultural fascination during this time.

As tourism grew, sites like Pompeii became integral to travel literature with authors like Theon Philbot Gauthier incorporating these locations into their narratives, thus enhancing their visibility and allure.

Literary Connections to Archaeology

Gauthier's story "Ania Marcela" illustrates how archaeological findings influenced contemporary literature; it tells a tale where an 18th-century man falls for a woman preserved from the eruption of 79 AD through excavation efforts led by Maria Carolina.

The narrative emphasizes the emotional connection between past and present through artifacts found at Pompeii, such as molds created from human remains that captivated public interest despite their eventual disappearance from records.

Political Context Influencing Excavation Efforts

In 1866, political upheaval under Napoleon affected Naples' governance and subsequently its archaeological endeavors; José Bonaparte initially took control but was later replaced by Joaquín Murat who continued excavation initiatives with a focus on systematic approaches rather than mere artifact collection.

Murat’s wife, Carolina Bonaparte's passion for antiquities played a crucial role in shaping excavation strategies aimed at uncovering historical information rather than just physical objects within Pompeii.

Excavations and Discoveries in Pompeii

The Initial Excavations

The excavation of Pompeii began in the early 19th century, leading to the first comprehensive map of the city after 50 years of work.

Significant resources were invested by Maria Carolina during these excavations, resulting in numerous discoveries, including one of the most beautiful houses in Pompeii.

Notable Artifacts and Structures

Among the findings was the House of the Tragic Poet, featuring famous mosaics such as "Cave Canem" (Beware of Dog), which is not a literal dog but part of a larger artistic narrative.

A fresco depicting Iphigenia's sacrifice was also discovered, illustrating a dramatic moment where Artemis intervenes to save her life.

Cultural Impact and Literature

The House of the Tragic Poet became notable for its connection to Edward Bulwer-Lytton's novel "The Last Days of Pompeii," written in the 19th century inspired by archaeological findings.

This literary work has influenced countless films and stories about Pompeii, shaping public perception of its history.

Continued Excavation Efforts

Following Napoleon's fall in 1815, Bourbon rulers resumed excavations initiated by Carolina Bonaparte.

The 19th century saw extensive discoveries including public spaces like forums and grand houses filled with statues and frescoes.

Major Discoveries During Restoration

In mid-century restorations under Bourbon rule, significant artifacts like a mosaic depicting Alexander the Great’s battle against Darius III were uncovered.

Access improvements were made for visitors; however, entry remained restricted until authorized invitations were granted.

Scientific Advancements Post-Unification

After Italy's unification in 1860, Garibaldi appointed Alexandre Dumas as director of excavations due to his interest in antiquity.

Dumas' tenure was short-lived; Giuseppe Fiorelli took over and significantly advanced archaeological practices at Pompeii.

Fiorelli’s Contributions

Fiorelli reorganized excavation efforts and created an invaluable model representing Pompeii as it appeared in the late 19th century.

He also documented how natural elements affected preservation efforts while addressing vandalism issues that threatened historical artifacts.

Mapping Innovations

Fiorelli produced a rational map for organizing archaeological sites within Pompeii, facilitating better navigation for visitors seeking specific locations like notable houses or mosaics.

Exploring the Excavation of Pompeii

The Challenges of Excavating Pompeii

The excavation process in Pompeii faced significant challenges due to the vastness of the city, making it difficult to locate specific areas within the ruins. This complexity is highlighted by a notable find at the House of Nosedonre.

Fiorelli's systematic approach led to the first rational division of Pompeii's site into nine distinct regions or neighborhoods, facilitating easier navigation and identification of locations within the archaeological site.

Fiorelli's Contributions to Archaeology

Fiorelli’s method allowed for precise identification of structures by categorizing each neighborhood into insulas (blocks) and further dividing them into thresholds representing individual houses, enhancing overall understanding of urban layout.

His most impactful contribution was revealing the human aspect of Pompeii’s tragedy, allowing visitors to connect emotionally with those who lived there before the catastrophic eruption. This connection is emphasized as a memorable experience for travelers.

Human Tragedy Uncovered

Prior excavations primarily focused on treasures rather than human remains; however, Fiorelli shifted this focus towards understanding how people lived and died during the eruption in 79 AD, providing a more comprehensive view of life in ancient Rome.

He developed an innovative technique involving plaster injection into voids left by decomposed bodies, which preserved their shapes and positions at death, offering poignant insights into their final moments during the eruption.

Insights from Preserved Remains

The resulting casts revealed harrowing scenes: individuals attempting to escape or protect loved ones, including animals that perished while tethered—these images serve as powerful reminders of that fateful night in October 79 AD.

By early 20th century standards, much had been uncovered about Pompeii; however, Victorian travelers were particularly captivated by newly discovered frescoes that depicted Dionysian mysteries—highlighting ongoing archaeological significance even decades later.

The Discovery of Spectacular Frescoes

Among these discoveries was a villa located just outside Pompeii containing some of the most remarkable Roman frescoes known today; these artworks are noted for their vibrant colors despite fading over time since their initial discovery.

Travelers were able to witness these frescoes' original brilliance—a stark contrast to their current state—and engage with historical narratives through visual art that has survived centuries intact yet altered by time.