In order to see clearly, one must know that most of the slaves at that time were as educated if not more educated than their masters.
You see, many slaves were taken from the cultural class or from conquered regions. Unfortunately , one thousand seven hundred years passed from the point when the people of ancient Pompeii had died until it was unknowingly disturbed by architect Domenico Fontana. Suprisingly, the first excavations were not started until 1748, directed by Charles Bourbon. To this day, Pompeii is still under excavation with four fifths of it uncovered and even less of it open to the public eye!
Many people excuse Pompeii as an ancient city that was under - developed compared
to other cities that mankind has built throughout history. These under educated people do this out of ignorance.
Here is the root of this misconception - even though 40% of the people of Pompeii were slaves, this city was built on intelligence. In order to see clearly, one must know that most of the slaves at that time were as educated if not more educated than their masters.
You see, many slaves were taken from the cultural class or from conquered regions.
Ancient Pompeii was amazing. Pompeii received water from the River Sarno, wells, etc. An aqueduct carried water to varied parts of ancient Pompeii including public baths and fountains. An amazing feat for that time when you consider that Pompeii was comprised of 8,000 - 10,000 inhabitants! Additionally, two thirds of the urban area included houses, inns, baths, brothels, shops and more. It is interesting to note that the roads had pavements in ancient Pompeii. Ancient Pompeii was no sight for sore eyes, so to speak!
In March of 2001, I had the opportunity to go to Italy and visit the ancient site of Pompeii, now archeologically public in Italy, located south of Rome. Much like the United States city of Salem, MA , Pompeii is now comprised of the new Pompeii and the old Pompeii ( which is ancient ). The ancient, now excavated city of Pompeii is simply huge. To give you an idea, Anson and I covered only half of the city walking double time within a full day. There are not only bakeries, brothels, houses, baths, theatres, shops, and many other ancient things to see - but there are also temples to various gods. Suprisingly, Popidius Celsinus restored a Temple of Isis in Pompeii ( in the year 62 A.D. ) that originated from the pre-Roman age. There are many temples to almost any Italian / Etruscan god that you can imagine. The ones that I liked the most were :
