USS Georgetown (AGTR 2) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 35 text:

In the Shadows of Vesuvius The main street of ancient Pompeii. « ' i«ViaDepfeiis. Pompeii is twelve miles southeast of Naples and im- portant as being preserved almost intact to our own time by a shower of ashes and pumice from nearby ML Vesuvius on August 24, 79 A.D. Though few of the inhabitants es- caped, the better class of buildings was scarcely injured by the ashes and pumice. Located in 1748 by a peasant digging a well, Pompeii remained untouched until 1755 when Charled III sponsored a project which unearthed a few public buildings. Under Marat (1808-1815) excavation was resumed under the sponsorship of the Italian government and the manage- ment of Fiorelli. The site is now more than half exposed; the completion may take many more years. The historical importance of the city is that it is a preservation of the pose and setting of first century Italy. However, the city is neither typical of Rome be- cause of its being subject to Greek influence nor of Greece because it was hastily repaired and rebuilt in a Romanesque style after an earthquake damaged it heavily in 63 A.D. Few buildings were gutted or destroyed by the eruption which buried Pompeii. Most were well preserved, as were many of the bodies of Vesuvius ' human victims. Scores of household artifacts, utensils and art treasures were excavated in superb condition; even loaves of bread kept their shape, though turned to charcoal. At each of Pompeii ' s eight gates are sentry boxes in which Roman legionnaires were found, still on duty when the ex- cavation of 1808 began. We Toured Pompeiian Ruins i • spbysi IT ' S NOT WHAT IT SEEMS! These clay vats once held heated wine which was sold at roadside concessions, much as Cokes are sold today. A fine example of the Pompeiian blend of the Greco-Romanesque culture is this Roman copy of a favorite Greek sculpture. In the villa of the Vetti brothers.

Page 34 text:

Naples lies on the eastern coast of Italy, 120 miles south of Rome, a booming city of 1.5 million people, Naples draws chiefly on its geographical beauty, and its cultural and re- ligious heritage to make it one of Italy ' s chief tourist centers. There are many churches, museums, galleries and other points of interest in Naples proper; Mt. Vesuvius, and its twin victims Pompeii and Herculaneum, are only a few miles away. The famous Blue Grotto on the Isle of Capri is also nearby. A panorama of ancient and modern history, Naples abounds in medieval fortresses and castles - a reminder of the city ' s value as a seaport and harbor. Among its most important buildings are the Castel Nuovo, the Castel dell ' Ovo and the imposing Castel Sant ' Elmo which overlooks the city and the Bay of Naples from a hill. The cultural center of southern Italy, Naples is the home of many museums and galleries. The Royal Palace of Capidomonte houses numerous paintings by the 18th century masters and many fine porcelain pieces from the famous Capidomonte Porcelain Works. The National Archaelogical Museums contain many Roman, Greek and Etruscan art treasures as well as a large collection of artifacts from Pompeii. Perhaps one of the most noteworthy structures in Naples is the San Carlo Theater. One of the world ' s most famous opera houses, it contains six tiers of boxes and two galleries. Its elegant interior provides a splendid showcase for the many operas, ballets and concerts presented there every season. The seat of a bishopric, Naples has over 200 churches, many of which have a long distinguished history. One of the most interesting is Santa Chiara which houses the Chapel of San Gennaro (the patron saint of Naples.) Inside the chapel are two vials of the saint ' s blood, said to come to a boil twice a year. Ever a haven for artists, musicians and writers, Naples has charmed such famous people as Shelley, Von Goethe, the Scarlattis and Virgil, the Roman peot of antiquity who is buried on Mt. Posillipo. Although Naples is not without western influence, it still maintains its old world charm. The city supports many suc- cessful industries, although its chief source of income is tourist trade. k TJeMs A central Piazza on the Via Depretis. w A Neapolitan street photographer displays his work to a skeptical customer. in m n, « Coles art. Caste] Nuovo (Maschio Angioino). Built in 1279 by Charles 1 of Anjou, it has been restored recently and serves as the meeting place for the Naples City Council.

Page 36 text:

And Saw An Ancient Civilization IN CASE OF FIRE BREAK GLASS.CT2 PERRY examines one of the FiorelU piaster casts of petrified bodies ' •■ found in excavations in Pompeii and Herculaneum. pompeii Almost Compieteiy Preserved The entrance to the gladiators ' barracks, west of the Temple of Apollo. myo liievilluJiiKli