The excavations have returned the remains of the ancient city of Herculaneum, buried under a blanket of ashes, lapilli, and mud during the eruption of Vesuvius in 79, together with Pompeii, Stabia, and Oplonti... Today they are a #UNESCO World Heritage... #tuttitaly
The Archaeological Park of Herculaneum aims to keep alive a treasure hidden for more than 1600 years, only found by chance in 1709, when excavations began for the construction of a well. During these excavations, some remains of the ancient city of Herculaneum came to light.
In 1738 the first archaeological investigations began, which were interrupted in 1765 and then resumed in 1823 and stopped again in 1875.
Only starting from 1927 did systematic excavation begin, thanks to which today we can visit the beautiful city of Herculaneum of 2000 years ago.
History
Tradition has it that Herculaneum was founded by Hercules in 1243 BC. Most likely, however, it was founded by the Oscans in the 12th century BC. or by the Etruscans between the 10th and 8th centuries BC.
Conquered by the Greeks in 479 BC, it passed under the influence of the Samnites and, afterward, of the Romans in 89 BC. The city became a residential place for the Roman aristocracy and reached its maximum splendor with the tribune Marco Nonio Balbo.
In 79 AD, following the eruption of Vesuvius, Herculaneum was submerged by a layer of lava and mud.
Over time, this stratum solidified, forming a rock plane similar to the tuff, but softer, and thus protected the ancient city: today, we can see the Roman town that has come down to us exactly as it appeared 2000 years ago.
What to see
Among the wonders found in Herculaneum, we can admire frescoes, mosaics, statues, and villas.
Several buildings have come down to us in excellent condition.
Most of the finds found are housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.
The site of Herculaneum, together with the ruins of Pompeii and Oplontis, has become part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
