POMPEII

Roman houses were decorated with wall paintings, these were done on wet plaster, and they were categorized into four techniques.

The first style, painted stucco mimics other materials such as stone, and marble. The french phrase "Trompe l'oeil" means "Trick of the Eye" refers to this approach of wall decor.

The second style, mimics architectural construction such as columns, entablatures and arches. The color palette is similar to the Minoans and Greeks, including the most popular color which was red, also known as "Pompeian red".

The third style, shows an increasing amount of pictorial sophistication and the architecture represented is more fantastic, the frescoes shoe images of the architecture. There are attenuated columns, garland birds and vegetation, sometimes even framed painted within the painted scenarios.

The fourth style, is associated with the reign of Claudius, wall paintings were representational and often featured large scenes and panoramic vistas.

WHAT HAPPENED TO POMPEII?

Pompeii is an Ancient Roman city in Italy, in August 24th, 79 A.D the eruption of Vesuvius, located on the Bay of Naples, Italy, caught the local population unprepared.

This volcano is hundreds of thousands years old and has erupted more than 50 times in the past 2,000 years. The eruption in 79 A.D buried the ancient Roman city of Pompeii under a thick layer of volcanic ash which is estimated it was 16 ft deep. It is believed that the eruption measured 12 miles high and it the ash was 1300°. 

The eruption lasted approximately 24 hours and the devastation covered more than 200 squared miles. About a third of the city remains buried.

Two thousands people died, the city was abandoned until a group of explorers rediscovered the site in 1748. Many people say that the excavation of Pompeii played a major role in the neo-Classical revival of the 18th century. Today, the excavation of Pompeii has been going on for almost three centuries.

Two thousands people died, the city was abandoned until a group of explorers rediscovered the site in 1748. Many people say that the excavation of Pompeii played a major role in the neo-Classical revival of the 18th century. Today, the excavation of Pompeii has been going on for almost three centuries.

The following video explains briefly what happened to Pompeii
Deconstructing History: Pompeii

FROM KATIE'S BLOG: I REALLY LIKED THE PICTURES SHE INCLUDED, AND I FOUND VERY INTERESTING THE PART THAT POMPEII HAD INFLUENCE IN DESIGN IN THE 18TH CENTURY.
FROM KATRINA'S BLOG: FROM HER BLOG I LEARNED THAT POMPEII WAS REDISCOVERED BY ROCQUE JOAQUIN DE ALCUBIERRE, IN 1748.