This post was written by Marcella Stranieri, Librarian in the Researcher Engagement and General Collections Division.
On August 24, 79 CE, the volcano Mount Vesuvius erupted with the energy of 100,000 atomic bombs, destroying multiple cities and towns along Italy’s Gulf of Naples. Pompeii, a bustling centuries-old city, home to 20,000 Romans and set at the base of the volcano, was buried under 20 feet of ash during the two-day eruption. The city was largely forgotten about until a millennium and a half later when architect Domenico Fontana unearthed several walls and artwork while digging a canal. Two hundred years later, in 1748, formal excavations of the site began under King Charles VII of Naples, who largely wished to map the buried town and find fabulous artwork and treasure to add to the Royal Collection. The initial excavation coincided with the burgeoning new fields of art history and archaeology, helping to spark a fervor of interest across Europe for Roman artwork, jewelry, and history.
One of the first comprehensive studies of Pompeii was observed, drawn, and published in the early 19th century by French architect Charles-François Mazois (1783-1826). His foundational four-volume work, Les Ruines de Pompei (1824-1838), is a compendium of plates depicting frescos, sculptures, ruins, and artwork from the newly excavated city. This work, which he did not live to see fully published, cemented Pompeii as an entity worthy of study, conservation, and awe. Les Ruines de Pompei, ultimately influenced many scholars, architects, and wealthy tourists to flock to the site to see the ruins for themselves. It also served as the blueprint for many other artists and architects that came after Mazois, who would also draw their inspiration from the ruins of Pompeii.
Today we are just as fascinated by, and drawn to, Pompeii as the Europeans of the 18th and 19th centuries were. Except for a brief interruption during World War II, Pompeii has been a continuously active excavation site, used by archaeologists, classical scholars, and observers. Archaeologists continue to excavate the city, learning more about its history and inhabitants every day. For example, earlier this year archeologists discovered the remains of a family caught sheltering in their villa, with a bed pushed against the door to keep out the volcano blast.
You can find digitized copies of the complete four volume set of Les Ruines de Pompei in HathiTrust.
If you’re interested in finding more resources about volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters take a look at the Library’s Natural Disasters: A Resource Guide.
Want to read more historical works about Pompeii or view visual material? Explore the Library’s selection of freely accessible digitized books on Pompeii and browse the Prints and Photographs Catalog.
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