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THE PILLARS OF POMPEII By Maria Concepcion Panlilio   ANATOMY OF A RESURRECTED CITY (Photo by Maria Panlilio) On August 25, 79 AD, a long-dormant volcano named Vesuvius came back to life with a cataclysmic eruption that buried the Roman city of Pompeii. The eruption is the first well-documented major volcanic eruption in the world. Nearly twenty thousand people were trapped and buried in hot volcanic ash and poisonous gases. Those who tried to escape to the sea were suffocated to death. Nearly two thousand years later, archaeologists excavated petrified corpses scattered all over Pompeii. It would become one of the best archaeological finds in history. Today the belly of Mount Vesuvius still churns with the same primordial forces that unleashed such fury. She rests in a delicate topographic repose, but volcanologists are acutely aware that its yielding crust can crumble like a flaky cookie at any time.  Maria Panlilio steps back in time as she sets foot on the ancient soil of Pompeii. In the background, Mount Vesuvius looms over the excavated remains of Pompeii In the shadow of Mount Vesuvius lies the splendorous landscape of a once thriving Roman city discovered in 1789 by a grave digger. But the majestic mountain’s frangibility is not a mystery to modern Pompeii residents who are forever haunted by the memory of a destructive force that consumed everything in its path.. One thing is certain: in an instant Mt. Vesuvius could once again bury the old Pompeii, as well as the new Pompeii on top of it. If and when that happens, however, we can also take comfort in the knowledge that volcanology is an advanced science, which could predict a cataclysmic eruption well in advance, affording the inhabitants sufficient warnings to evacuate in advance, therefore saving many lives. Leaving my footprint on an ancient soil I’ve lived in several places abundantly postulated with volcanoes, of which many lie within the Ring of Fire, including the Philippines, Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest–-places of geographical and biological wonders. Since I first witnessed a major volcano eruption early in my youth (Taal Volcano in Batangas, Philippines), I have been obsessively fascinated with volcanoes. Hence, while touring Italy recently, I had to include a tour of Pompeii in my itinerary. It was a chilly winter day in Pompeii, but the goose bumps on my skin belonged to the vision of a tumultuous and delicate land created by Vesuvius. As I stepped back in time and wandered through the cobbled stone streets, I felt the essence of this once vibrant and thriving city. It simply took my breath away. This was a dream come true for a volcano enthusiast like myself. I was amazed at the extraordinary work of the archaeologists who first discovered the lost city in the 1700s. The absolute care it must have taken to excavate every little piece so that we can learn more and have a better perception of Pompeii’s life and history. There was no doubt that the Pompeans lived extremely well--a society advanced and progressive, with lavish houses, theaters, multi-culturally influenced art, life-size sculptures in marble, bronze and terracotta, basilicas and temples, made Pompeii a haven for wealthy Romans. The author inside the ruins of Pompeii  As I stood against the pillar of one of Pompeii's once grandest mansions, I visualized the day-to-day tasks undertaken by its occupants. I wondered if they led a life similar to how most of us live ours now – fast-paced, hectic, eating on the run. Did they travel much for pleasure? With no television and movies, what did they do for entertainment besides the amphitheater and chariot racing; and for some men, the bars and brothels. Oh yes, they had them there, with their private little rooms and frisky frescoes demonstrating the many ways to make love. Pompeii is only partially excavated, and centuries of exposure to the elements could lead to disintegration and further decay; therefore, preservation has become a major concern for the scientists who continue to work and protect this resurrected city so that it lives forever. ~~~***~~~ (Part Two discusses the advantages of expert tour guides when exploring places such as Pompeii. I will introduce you to one of the most unforgettable historians I’ve ever met. Please email me if you wish to have a copy.) Author’s Note: Mount Vesuvius’ eruption buried Pompeii and a much small city known as Herculaneum. Just recently, archeologists unearthed remnants from 82 feet below ground near the Villa dei Papiri, a first century country home where Julius Caesar's father-in-law lived.
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