Further Adventures in the Med

HERCULANEUM

On an excursion from Naples we took in  the sights of Herculaneum, sort of a sister city to Pompeii, also buried by the sudden eruption of the volcano Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Note the ladder at the end of the street

The height of that ladder above roughly corresponds to the depth of volcanic ash (50-60 ft) that buried Herculaneum following the eruption.  Unlike Pompeii, which was covered rapidly in ash and pyroclastic flow, Herculaneum was smothered less quickly, allowing some residents to flee.  Many more of the structures here also survived, whereas fiery destruction at Pompeii was widespread.

Great works of art have survived here, as well as intricate mosaics

 

Portrait of Cleopatra VII of Egypt

Herculaneum was a richer community than Pompeii.  Much of the wealthy inhabitants' sculptures and art has been preserved in the Naples museum, and in German museums.

Again the depth of the excavation shows how much ash was deposited here in 79AD

For more on Herculaneum click here.

After a couple days enjoying Naples we sailed north toward Rome with flocks of seagulls following the ship far beyond the harbor.

SANTORINI

Ever the iconic destination for Greek tourism, Santorini certainly did live up to its reputation.

The white villages cling atop the ancient volcanic caldera like snow on a mountaintop

From our Santorini landing one could take a cable car up to the top, ride the 'donkeys' (they were mules, not donkeys) or you could walk.  Shannon and I, we love exercise.

Next thing you know, it's time for lunch, accompanied by a local beer.

Insert mule piss joke here

Leaving Santorini: