Pompeii, Caecilius, and Metella

Pompeii’s BeginningsFounded in 7th-6th centuries B.C.Changed hands –

◦ Greeks/Phoenicians, Oscans, Etruscans, SamnitesRoman ally after 2nd Samnite WarTurns on Rome during Social War

◦ Becomes colony of Rome in 80 BC

1st centuries BC & ADFlourishes as multicultural portNear the Via AppiaRich Roman country estates

nearbyFarms and businesses

◦Vesuvinum – Vesuvius + vinum

City’s FeaturesAmphitheatreOldest; first stone

TheatresOne indoor, one outPlays, concerts,

mimes, and moreSmall – 1,000Large – 5,000

PalaestraAncient version of the YExercise yardBoxing, wrestlingRooms around

for multiple uses

Aqua AugustaAqueduct for water supplyLittle remains; Pont du Gard in

France:

ForumTemples to

Apollo, Jupiter,and the emperor

Polling StationMarketLaw courtPublic Toilet

Other Signs of City LifeMacellumThermopoliumGraffitiAdsPolitical SlogansPublic NoticesSidewalks

Feb 5, 62 ADMassive earthquake damages the

cityLamps fall; fire breaks outAnarchy, looting, starvation

◦When have we seen anarchy after a recent natural disaster in America?

The real Caecilius apparently dies

Lucius Caecilius IucundusRoman citizen – 3 names

Lucius – his praenomenCaecilius – nomenIucundus – cognomenNo agnomen, or nickname

Spot in SocietySon of Felix, a freedmanCitizen’s Rights

◦Vote, office, property, contracts, marriage, trial, appeal, suing

◦Can’t be tortured, whipped, or killed unless convicted of treason

One of the richest dudes in town

Jobs and BusinessBanker, money lenderTax collectorFarmerOwned shops

◦Slaves, cloth, dyes, timber, property, livestock, cleaning services

Death & LegacyEarthquake; house remains

◦Wax records, strongboxes, LarariumOur book has him survive thisDoctor Who

MetellaNot strictly based on a real

personRole of a rich woman/mother

◦Ran the house◦Kids, slaves, cleaning,

preparing for dinners

Women’s Legal RightsNo voteCould have property of her ownAuthority over kids, slavesCould inherit from her husbandPolitical sway possible

Women’s Social FreedomsVery visible (unlike Greeks)Public shopping, bathing,

entertainmentCampaigning,

dining with husband

Women’s JobsCooking, weaving, hairdressing,

making shoes, metalworkingMidwives and nursesPatronesses/business ladies could

donate to public buildings