Great Palaestra, Pompei
The Great Palaestra is a large rectangular building, flanked by porticoes on three sides, with a pool at its centre. Like many buildings in the city, it was commissioned under the empire of Augustus Caesar. It was used as an exercise complex by the youth associations which he set up, a Roman version of the youth branches of political parties we still see today. There was even a room, in the centre of the western portico, set aside for worship of the emperor. Behind the portico, a double row of sycamore trees provided a shaded area for attendees to relax and unwind.
The tree roots have been recreated with plaster casts. Like many natural organisms, from plant life to human beings, the roots were buried under the ash layers left by the deadly volcanic eruption, and decomposed. This left behind air pockets which were filled with plaster, creating exact replicas of the tree roots. At the time of the eruption in 79 AD the eastern portals and north wall were being restored, having been damaged in the earthquake of 62 AD. The complex even had toilet facilities 鈥� a latrine, served by water carried from the pool, can be seen on the south side of the building.
The tree roots have been recreated with plaster casts. Like many natural organisms, from plant life to human beings, the roots were buried under the ash layers left by the deadly volcanic eruption, and decomposed. This left behind air pockets which were filled with plaster, creating exact replicas of the tree roots. At the time of the eruption in 79 AD the eastern portals and north wall were being restored, having been damaged in the earthquake of 62 AD. The complex even had toilet facilities 鈥� a latrine, served by water carried from the pool, can be seen on the south side of the building.
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Great Palaestra on Map
Sight Name: Great Palaestra
Sight Location: Pompei, Italy (See walking tours in Pompei)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Pompei, Italy (See walking tours in Pompei)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Pompei, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Pompei
Creating your own self-guided walk in Pompei is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Pompeii Introduction Walk I
Modern-day Pompei is best known for its ancient predecessor, the Roman city of Pompeii, that fell victim to the massive eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The ruins of Pompeii, first uncovered in the late 18th century, were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. Presently, this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, drawing annually up to 2.5 million visitors.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Pompeii Introduction Walk II
Frozen at the moment it was buried under the thick blanket of ash and pumice, the city of Pompeii (now excavated) remains a unique window into the past, offering a snapshot of everyday life back in the 1st century AD Roman Empire. Aside from causing quick and unexpected death to the city, the huge eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD did have one positive outcome 鈥� it preserved everything (properties,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles