Part I - Core Study: Cities of Vesuvius - Pompeii and Herculaneum
Students learn to:
- Comprehend and analyse a range of archaeological and written sources relevant to the core study of the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum
- Use sources to reconstruct aspects of life in Pompeii and Herculaneum in AD 79
- Evaluate the implications of gaps in the evidence for reconstructing life in Pompeii and Herculaneum in AD 79
- Describe and assess different methods used by archaeologists, historians and other specialists to investigate the sites over time
- Evaluate different representations of Pompeii and Herculaneum over time
- Discuss relevant issues of conservation and reconstruction; custodianship of the sites and the display of human remains
- Present the findings of investigations of key features or issues relevant to the study of Pompeii and Herculaneum
- Communicate effectively in oral and written forms to describe and analyse features and issues of the study.
Students learn about:
Non-examinable background:
- Stages of occupation
- Brief historical overview up to and including the eruption of AD 79
- Early discoveries and brief history of the excavations
- Representations of Pompeii and Herculaneum over time
Examinable content:
1. Geographical context
1.1 The physical environment: the geographical setting, natural features and resources of Pompeii and Herculaneum
1.2 Plans and streetscapes of Pompeii and Herculaneum
2. The nature of sources and evidence
2.1 The range of available sources, both written and archaeological, including ancient writers, official inscriptions, graffiti, wall paintings, statues, mosaics, human and animal remains
2.2 The limitations, reliability and evaluation of sources
2.3 The evidence provided by the sources from Pompeii and Herculaneum for:
2.3a The eruption
2.3b The economy: trade, commerce, industries, occupations
2.3c Social structure; men, women, freedmen, slaves
2.3d Local political life
2.3e Everyday life: leisure activities, food and dining, clothing, health, baths, water supply and sanitation
2.3f Public buildings – basilicas, temples, fora, theatres, palaestra, amphitheatres
2.3g Private buildings – villas, houses, shops
2.3h Influence of Greek and Egyptian cultures: art, architecture, religion
2.3i Religion: temples, household gods, foreign cults, tombs.
3. Investigating, reconstructing and preserving the past
3.1 Changing methods and contributions of nineteenth and twentieth century archaeologists to our understanding of Pompeii and Herculaneum
3.2 Changing interpretations: impact of new research and technologies
3.3 Issues of conservation and reconstruction: Italian and international contributions and responsibilities; impact of tourism
3.4 Ethical issues: study and display of human remains
- Comprehend and analyse a range of archaeological and written sources relevant to the core study of the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum
- Use sources to reconstruct aspects of life in Pompeii and Herculaneum in AD 79
- Evaluate the implications of gaps in the evidence for reconstructing life in Pompeii and Herculaneum in AD 79
- Describe and assess different methods used by archaeologists, historians and other specialists to investigate the sites over time
- Evaluate different representations of Pompeii and Herculaneum over time
- Discuss relevant issues of conservation and reconstruction; custodianship of the sites and the display of human remains
- Present the findings of investigations of key features or issues relevant to the study of Pompeii and Herculaneum
- Communicate effectively in oral and written forms to describe and analyse features and issues of the study.
Students learn about:
Non-examinable background:
- Stages of occupation
- Brief historical overview up to and including the eruption of AD 79
- Early discoveries and brief history of the excavations
- Representations of Pompeii and Herculaneum over time
Examinable content:
1. Geographical context
1.1 The physical environment: the geographical setting, natural features and resources of Pompeii and Herculaneum
1.2 Plans and streetscapes of Pompeii and Herculaneum
2. The nature of sources and evidence
2.1 The range of available sources, both written and archaeological, including ancient writers, official inscriptions, graffiti, wall paintings, statues, mosaics, human and animal remains
2.2 The limitations, reliability and evaluation of sources
2.3 The evidence provided by the sources from Pompeii and Herculaneum for:
2.3a The eruption
2.3b The economy: trade, commerce, industries, occupations
2.3c Social structure; men, women, freedmen, slaves
2.3d Local political life
2.3e Everyday life: leisure activities, food and dining, clothing, health, baths, water supply and sanitation
2.3f Public buildings – basilicas, temples, fora, theatres, palaestra, amphitheatres
2.3g Private buildings – villas, houses, shops
2.3h Influence of Greek and Egyptian cultures: art, architecture, religion
2.3i Religion: temples, household gods, foreign cults, tombs.
3. Investigating, reconstructing and preserving the past
3.1 Changing methods and contributions of nineteenth and twentieth century archaeologists to our understanding of Pompeii and Herculaneum
3.2 Changing interpretations: impact of new research and technologies
3.3 Issues of conservation and reconstruction: Italian and international contributions and responsibilities; impact of tourism
3.4 Ethical issues: study and display of human remains