Pompeii

Kevin's favourite capital of the week (April 6th): Pompeii (Circa 76AD), what can be called the capital of modern day archeology (with regards to the Roman Empire), or perhaps Italian tourism. Yea, I'm stretching the definition, just a tad.

As I have a dearth of time to do research this week I will do something slightly different:

From the Journal of Marcus Scintillus,

April 6^th

Pompeii seems a boring place to me. It is so small compared to Rome. There has been nothing to do there since Vespasian became Emperor except loiter around in these small “vacation” towns. The only interesting thing that happens here is the occasional earth tremor, that all of Campania suffers from. They have made this dull life a little more interesting. The other day I was at a production of a Melissus play when one of those tremors occurred. It was quite something, the players were used to it and kept right on acting it out, even while some of the more cowardly amongst us in the audience were crying out in surprise and fear. Some even seemed ready to flee. Quite amusing. Almost more so than the play.

I have not been at all able to get my mind off the business of Rome, even though I go to the baths every day and to the brothel every night. I have gone to the temple of Jupiter to gain guidance as well. And yet this place does not help. Why go on a vacation at all? There is no good conversation to be had here either! Well I will bring back some Samnite art for Velnia at least.

April 7^th

I went to the gladiators contest today. Does one need to be a slave these days to be gain martial favour? I ask you dear journal, why is there no glory left to be had? Oh dear, perhaps too much wine.

April 8^th

I feel a bit of pity for the slave that had to clean up my room this morning. I did leave it something of a mess didn't I. Well no matter. Soon I'm back to Rome and true civilization. And something to challenge this large mind of mine.

I spoke to a Pleb today about his business here. I wonder how they live with so little. How odd. I'm happy that the gods blessed me enough to allow me to be born into a real family.