Why Wasn't Pompeii Rebuilt After the Eruption?

Summary by Krater

Tom Hiddleston and Dr. Caitie Barrett explore the aftermath of the Vesuvius eruption, examining archaeological evidence of survivors, reoccupation of Pompeii, and relief efforts by Roman emperors.

From the video

Answers: Why wasn't Pompeii rebuilt after the eruption of Vesuvius?

• Pompeii eruption
• Mount Vesuvius
• Roman archaeology
• Pompeii survivors
• Roman relief efforts

What it concludes

• Most residents of Pompeii and Herculaneum survived the disaster, escaping during the hours-long window before the final destruction.
• Archaeological evidence shows post-eruption reoccupation and salvaging efforts in parts of Pompeii and Herculaneum well into late antiquity.
• Emperors Titus and Domitian funded relief and reconstruction efforts in cities around the Bay of Naples after the eruption.
• Pompeii was never rebuilt because clearing the thick, porous ash and pumice layer was too difficult and Vesuvius remained active.
• Ancient writers like Plutarch exaggerated the permanent loss of Pompeii and Herculaneum, ignoring that a Roman city lay just below the surface.