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Exploring Everyday Life in Pompeii Through a New Exhibition

Pompeii, often remembered as a tragic victim of a natural catastrophe, presents a fascinating glimpse into ancient Roman life before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 C.E. This significant event not only preserved the city but also offers a unique opportunity to explore the daily lives of its residents.

A new exhibition at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra, titled “Pompeii,” immerses visitors in the ancient city’s atmosphere right before the volcanic destruction. The exhibition utilizes innovative digital technology to replicate the sights and sounds of Pompeii, enabling attendees to visualize and engage with the past.

The exhibition features over 90 artifacts that shed light on the everyday lives of Pompeii’s inhabitants, including statues, frescoes, cookware, and jewelry. Visitors can also view replicas of casts showing the tragic fates of some victims of the eruption, allowing for a deeper emotional connection to the historical narrative.

Lily Withycombe, the lead coordinating curator of the exhibition, emphasizes the aim of the project: to present a “real, lived human experience” of the people who thrived in Pompeii before disaster struck. As she explains, the exhibition includes familiar objects, such as cooking tools and personal items, alongside remarkable artistic works that highlight Pompeii’s cultural achievements.

The Layout of the Exhibition

Structured around four Roman domus (houses), the exhibition offers a guided journey through the life of Pompeii’s citizens. A significant highlight is a stunning 115-foot-long corso (main street) that culminates in a striking 20-foot-tall replica of Mount Vesuvius. This setting transports visitors to the bustling life of the city, giving a tangible context to the artifacts on display.

While the focus is primarily on life before the eruption, the exhibition poignantly includes a vivid simulation of the volcanic catastrophe itself. Evocative sounds of a rumbling volcano developing into explosive eruptions are designed to envelop visitors in the moment, enhancing their understanding of the disaster. According to the Guardian, the experience is as exhilarating as it is educational, simulating the fury of the eruption and the ensuing chaos.

The Journey of the Exhibition

Initially launched at the Grand Palais in Paris in 2020, this exhibition marks its Southern Hemisphere debut in Australia, a collaboration between the National Museum of Australia, GEDEON Experiences, and the Pompeii Archaeological Park in Italy. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the archaeological park, hopes this exhibition will provide visitors with an experience reminiscent of contemporary visits to the actual site of Pompeii.

As the exhibition unfolds, it coincides with a period of renewed interest in Pompeii, reflecting on both its historical significance and the contemporary challenges it faces with burgeoning visitor numbers and conservation issues. Recent archaeological efforts have continued to yield remarkable finds, including ancient graffiti and well-preserved remnants of daily life, offering fresh insights into the city’s history.

“Pompeii” will be on display at the National Museum of Australia until May 4, 2025, inviting audiences to delve deeper into the life and times of one of history’s most captivating cities.

Source
www.smithsonianmag.com