Pompeii - December 30, 2011 - Tombs

Tomb of M. Porcius

Unnamed tomb

Heading north out of Pompeii by the Herculaneum gate one can visit dozens of tombs along the ancient road.

There are also the distractions of the villas of Cicero and Diomedes, both were closed to the public when we passed through, though I did scramble up an embankment off the side of the road an take a quick snapshot through the gates.

There also are quite a number of shops and workshops along this road. It’s almost like a shopping mall; outside the main city gates (suburban), all together in a couple of giant uniform looking buildings. I have a friend that says there is nothing new to be found in the world (rather a pessimist really) but seeing this sort of thing makes it seem true.

Tomb or public bench?

On the west side of the road are some impressive remains.  The tomb of M. Porcius rises in the rear with its three reconstructed columns a ghostly silhouette against the sky.

There are a number of small tombs, large tombs, tombs in the shape of semi-circular benches, a round tomb and a couple of triclinium tombs where the relatives of the deceased could come and have a picnic…of sorts. The most delightful of these still has some of the interior painting and does not have a name associated with it leading some to believe it was actually built as a public bench.  The next time I am waiting for the bus in a plastic bus shelter with the lingering acrid smell of someone’s “overindulgence” I’ll think of this place.

One of the more impressive (just due to the surviving amount of marble covering) is the tomb of Calventius Quietus, also located on the west side of the road. It has a large altar shaped top with some lovely carving, wreaths, ribbons and the like.

The tomb of M. Popidius is at the fork in the road where the left side leads to the villa of the mysteries and the right side leads to….not sure. But I am sure it leads somewhere.

The road itself is quite impressive, being the original Roman road. The stones are so smooth! Polished by feet and sandals millennia ago. 

Below is part of the arcade in front of the shops along the east side of the road leading north out of Pompeii by the Herculaneum  gate. Below that is the picture I was able to capture of the Villa of Diamedes.

Suburban shopping, rocking it ancient style

Villa of Diomedes, near Herculaneum gate