Herculaneum (3)

Here's the last batch of photos from Herculaneum. Hope you enjoyed your visit as much as we did.

The first three photos show the public male baths...

...with separated shelves for their clothing.

A smaller female communal bath

A couple of 'odds & ends'...

...and ancient steps to an upper floor (not for us though).

The statue of Marcus Nonius Balbus, a benefactor of Herculaneum, here looking out to (what was) the sea.

Tine on one of the many paved streets...

...and here standing in the entrance to a rich Roman's dwelling. Notice the diamond-shaped tiles.

A last photo to show you 'ground level' for the more modern town. All of these ruins were covered in about 20m (66ft) of ash.

The weather's wasn't brilliant but what a great day we had.

Herculaneum (2)

The frescoes and mosaic floors were stunning, unbelievably well-preserved after nearly 2000 years.

I'll let you peruse without commentary.

Herculaneum (1)

Pompeii is the more famous but we found Herculaneum more impressive. Apparently the volcanic ash that covered the town after the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 carbonised and left structures and household objects more intact.

Our view on arrival...

...and a video clip too.

The remains of a boat, discovered in 1982

The bodies of 300 Herculaneuns were found in these shelters, trying to escape the volcanic flow.

You can just make out the arches here. This used to be the waterfront, now pushed several kilometres out to sea by the volcanic debris.

A few photos taken whilst wandering around the town. The building above is in more modern day Ercolano.

Probably a food take-away

And now for something completely different!

We were very amused by the 'indifferent' rubbish bin.

National Archaeological Museum, Naples (2)

More photos from our visit to the museum.

Tine reading about Fighting Augustus, Claudius, Titus and Seated Augustus

Marcus Nonius Balbus on horseback

Tine with an armless Jupiter Capitolinus

A sarcophagus depicting the creation of humankind by Prometheus, the god of fire

Urania, the muse of astronomy

Thanks to Google for help naming these statues!

Walking back to the station, the weather had improved

One of the main gates to the ancient city: Porta Capuana

Graffiti on trains is pretty global...

...even if graffiti is an Italian word!

Back in Sant'Agnello here's a view on our way to get some grub!

National Archaeological Museum, Naples (1)

A dull and wet day helped us to decide on a visit to the museum in Naples.

An imposing staircase at the far end of the main hall...

...but don't forget to look up.

What amazing workmanship!

A few examples of findings in Pompeii

This floor mosaic was almost intact...

...plus alcoves...

...and columns

Meet Terentius Neo and his wife, ordinary bakers in Pompeii. You feel you'd recognise them if you bumped into them!