NatGeo: Pompeii has secrets to uncover — should we keep digging?
UC Classics professor explains why preservation is so important
National Geographic turned to a University of Cincinnati expert for insights into the controversial question of whether archaeologists should excavate more of the ancient city of Pompeii.
The famous Italian city just south of Naples was buried by as much as 20 feet of ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
Today, the ruins of the ancient city are among Italy's most famous attractions, a UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by more than 2.5 million people each year.
According to the magazine, archaeologists recently have shared their discoveries of a 2,000-year-old laundromat, a bedroom used by slaves and a fresco of a platter featuring a chalice of wine and foods that include what looks like a pizza.
But none of these discoveries were from recent excavations, the magazine said. Italy has forbidden new excavations at the city for decades.
UC Classics Associate Professor Steven Ellis is director of the Pompeii Archaeological Research Project: Porta Stabia. Photo/Dottie Stover/UC
UC Classics Associate Professor Steven Ellis said these findings came about from efforts to preserve and restore disturbed areas.
Ellis is an expert in Roman archaeology and is director of the Pompeii Archaeological Research Project: Porta Stabia. He also directs UC's Tharros Archaeological Research Project at Sardinia. The first of four volumes on his Pompeii project will be published in October. According to its description, it examines the urban development of two town blocks containing homes, shops and other buildings.
Ellis said to prevent further damage to archaeological sites from erosion, workers have shored up some of the steep cliff edges, which required some excavation.
The question today is whether archaeologists should conduct more excavations at the ancient city, the magazine said.
"We have enough of [excavated] Pompeii for the general public. We have enough of Pompeii for the scholarly community to learn from," Ellis told National Geographic. "What we really need to be doing is keeping it as well preserved for the future as we possibly can."
Proponents of excavating argue that the elements are already taking a toll on the exposed ruins. Heavy rains have caused damage to some sites.
Opponents say Italy should keep remaining portions of the ancient city undisturbed for future generations who likely will have new technology undreamed of today.
Ellis is author of "The Roman Retail Revolution" (Oxford 2018) and "The Making of Pompeii: Studies in the history and urban development of an ancient city" (Portsmouth 2011).
Featured image at top: A plaza in the ancient city of Pompeii. Photo/Balate Dorin
More UC Classics in the news
The cover of Smithsonian Magazine features UC's discovery of the Griffin Warrior in Pylos, Greece.
Related Stories
Senior peer career coaches graduate with resumes ready
April 17, 2021
Profiles three senior peer career coaches in the University of Cincinnati's Bearcat Promise Career Studio
UC students recognized for achievement in undergraduate research
April 12, 2021
Undergraduate student researchers in sciences and humanities recognized in 2021
2021 University Recognition Ceremony honors student achievements
April 13, 2021
The University of Cincinnati recognizes students each year who have made significant service, leadership, and academic contributions to the UC community. These students exemplify the spirit of what it means to be a Bearcat.
UC Day of Giving a success
April 28, 2021
University of Cincinnati Day of Giving’s 24-hour challenge was a tremendous success this year, raising $2,219,197 with 3,232 gifts. The fourth annual UC Day of Giving raised its most money to date with alumni, donors, students, faculty and staff joining together to support UC and UC Health.
'To make him proud was high on her list'
April 1, 2021
Alex Lewis lost her 82-year-old grandfather to Covid-19 just five weeks before her dream school showed up on the front steps of Roger Bacon High School to tell the senior that she has been admitted to the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing as part of a touching Decision Day surprise effort this year.
UC students recognized for achievement in undergraduate research
April 29, 2020
Each spring, the University of Cincinnati’s Division of Experience-Based Learning and Career Education (ELCE) honors students in experience-based learning programs.
President picks exceptional talent
April 28, 2021
The University of Cincinnati 2021 Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence Awards honor six undergraduate scholars for scholarship, leadership, character, service and the ideals of the university. Awardees are spotlighted for exceptional academics, creativity, community service and innovation.
Listen: Cincy Playhouse shares CCM audio plays
May 28, 2021
Each audio play is its own story, and you can listen to these pieces for free in any order you choose. They represent a year-long collaboration that reached into many corners of Cincinnati. Students from all over UC (CCM Acting, Sound Design, Stage Management, Commercial Music Production, Digital Media, and the College of Arts & Sciences’ Fiction PhD program) and local professional writers (YA author Liz Coley and musician, comedian and raconteur Paul Strickland) came together to make something truly special. Paul Strickland's play will be available soon. The Playhouse is assisting CCM by hosting and helping to promote these free audio plays.
UC staff have elected their 2021-23 Staff Senators
June 8, 2021
Join us in congratulating the 2021-23 new Staff Senate members! Elections were held in early May, and new senators will begin their two-year term in July 2021. All UC staff are encouraged to be part of the enthusiasm and excitement for our new senators by attending the Staff Senate online meeting via WebEx, June 30, 9-11 a.m.
UC LGBTQ Center founder takes on new diversity role
June 1, 2021
When Leisan Smith, ’99, ME ’03, began work this year as the inaugural chief equity officer at the prestigious Columbus School for Girls, the school’s staff and faculty were thrilled. The job description, they said, “was written for you.”