| Pompeii was an ancient Italian city that suffered a total destruction following the eruption of the nearby volcano Vesuvius in 79 CE. Tons of ash and red-hot cinders, as well as poisonous gas fell on the city, killing many of its inhabitants and burying the city until modern times. Students of the Bible will find that a deeper understanding of Pompeii and its sister city Herculaneum will illuminate the culture and daily life of the people who lived in first-century early Roman Empire, the time when the apostles and early Christian prophets wrote the New Testament. |
Want to dive deeper?
| Take a look at Pompeii’s sister city, Herculaneum. Here are some links to a detailed examination of both cities: • Introduction to the ancient city and its rediscovery • Map of the Pompeii and index of many detail pages Bruce Longenecker. In Stone and Story: Early Christianity in the Roman World. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book Press, 2020. E-book edition Longenecker introduces students to the Roman background of the New Testament by immersing them in the life and culture of first-century Pompeii and Herculaneum. Discussing ancient artifacts in relation to citizens’ life stories, he addresses the protocols of engagement, popular devotion, social prominence, and household effectiveness. Includes discussion questions, maps, and 175 full-color photographs. 320 pages, softcover from Baker. Bibliography on Pompeii |