When most people picture Pompeii, they imagine a city frozen in time – streets, houses and human figures crystallized forever by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Yet behind this image lies a world of questions, legends and fascinating details. That is exactly what this guide explores: Pompeii curiosities, the lesser-known stories that traditional guides often overlook, but that make the ancient city feel strikingly alive.
In this journey through historical curiosities and small mysteries, we will talk about the origin of the city’s name, the language spoken in Pompeii, who founded it, how the famous plaster casts of the victims were created, why Pompeian Red became such an iconic colour, what the phallic symbols meant, the role of Venus as the city’s protector, the importance of wine, the graffiti on the walls and much more. At the end, you will also find practical tips to plan a visit that lets you experience these stories in person.
Where does the name Pompeii really come from?
One of the first curiosities about Pompeii concerns its name. According to one of the most widely accepted interpretations, “Pompeii” may derive from the Oscan word “pompe”, meaning “five”, perhaps referring to five original villages or five districts that later formed the first urban core. This is a linguistic hypothesis based on etymological studies and the Italic origins of the area, but it should be considered a plausible reconstruction rather than a 100% certain fact.
Other theories link the name to Greek roots or to mythological figures, but at the moment there is no definitive proof. It is one of those cases where history gives us convincing possibilities while still leaving a small margin of mystery.
Who founded Pompeii and which peoples lived there?
Another key curiosity is who created Pompeii. The first stable communities in the area date back to the 8th century BC, when Oscan-speaking peoples settled in this strategic location between the sea, the Sarno River and important inland trade routes. Over the centuries, several cultures left their mark on the city: Oscans, Greeks, Etruscans, Samnites and finally Romans, who transformed Pompeii into a prosperous provincial city with a forum, temples, baths, an amphitheatre and an active port on the bay.
Pompeii was therefore never “just” Roman: it is the result of centuries of encounters, conquests and cultural exchanges. This explains why, as you walk among the ruins, you can find traces of different religions, mixed architectural styles and influences from across the Mediterranean world.
What language did people speak in Pompeii?
Before Romanisation, Italic languages such as Oscan were spoken in this area. With the arrival of the Romans and integration into the Empire, Latin became the main language. We know this thanks to inscriptions, shop signs, official epigraphy and, above all, the famous graffiti carved on the walls: love messages, insults, electoral slogans, announcements of shows, jokes, and poetic verses.
These graffiti are an incredible treasure trove of curiosities: they reveal everyday language, spelling mistakes, idioms and even the “trends” of the time. In a way, the walls of Pompeii worked like today’s social networks: people wrote to be seen, to take a stand, to make others laugh and to tell their stories.
When did the eruption that destroyed Pompeii happen?
The traditional date of the eruption of Vesuvius is 24 October 79 AD (for a long time August was suggested, but new archaeological evidence points to an autumn period). There is still debate among scholars on this point, so it is more accurate to speak of a “probable” date rather than an absolutely certain one. In any case, we know the eruption unfolded in several phases over about one or two days, combining showers of ash and lapilli with deadly pyroclastic flows that overwhelmed Pompeii, Herculaneum and other nearby settlements.
Contemporary descriptions – such as those by Pliny the Younger – describe an event that was sudden but not instantaneous: many inhabitants had enough time to try to escape, a key element in understanding how many people actually survived.
How many people died in Pompeii and how many survived?
One of the most delicate curiosities is this: how many people died in Pompeii? Archaeologists have so far found around 1,300 bodies within the city limits and the immediately surrounding areas. It is estimated that Pompeii had at least 20,000 inhabitants at the time of the eruption. This suggests that a significant part of the population managed to flee, although the exact percentages remain under study and there is no single number accepted by all scholars.
Recent research suggests that thousands of Pompeians survived and resettled in other cities of the Roman Empire, taking their family names, professions and traditions with them. Some documentary and archaeological traces have allowed researchers to follow the fate of certain families, but these reconstructions are based on clues rather than complete statistics.
Did people in Pompeii really “turn to stone”?
One of the most striking images of Pompeii is that of the casts of the victims, often inaccurately described as “petrified bodies”. In reality, the process is quite different. During the eruption, people were hit by pyroclastic flows and buried under layers of ash and lapilli. Over time, their bodies decomposed, leaving behind empty cavities in the hardened ash corresponding to the positions in which they died.
In the 19th century, archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli had the idea of filling these cavities with liquid plaster (today, resins and more advanced techniques are also used). Once hardened, the plaster reproduced the victims’ shapes with surprising detail: hands, faces, the folds of clothing. So it was not the people who turned to stone – it was archaeology that “gave a body back” to their final moments.
Did they really understand the risks of the volcano?
Another recurring question when talking about Pompeii curiosities is: “Did they realise how dangerous Vesuvius was?”. In Roman times, Vesuvius was considered largely quiescent, covered with vegetation and vineyards. There was no living memory, among the local population, of an eruption comparable to that of 79 AD (although geology tells us that the volcano already had a long and complex eruptive history).
The inhabitants saw Vesuvius as part of the landscape – fertile and useful. They probably did not fully understand the scale of the risk. Warning signs – earthquakes, rumblings, small emissions – were perceived, but interpreted with the knowledge of the time, often through religion or superstition rather than scientific reasoning.
Pompeian Red: where does this iconic colour come from?
Among the most fascinating curiosities is undoubtedly Pombeian Red, the warm, deep colour that dominates so many frescoed walls in the city’s houses. From a technical point of view, it is a pigment based on iron oxides, similar to red ochre or burnt sienna, applied onto still-wet plaster. Some studies suggest that in certain cases the original colour may have been closer to yellow-ochre and that exposure to the heat and gases of the eruption altered the pigment, making it redder and more intense.
Today, Pompeian Red has become a recognised and imitated shade in architecture, design and interior decoration – an immediate symbol of the Roman world and the refinement of patrician houses.
Is it true that people in Pompeii loved wine?
Yes – and it is not just a cliché. Vineyards on the slopes of Vesuvius were famous as early as Roman times, and the area around Pompeii was an important centre for wine production and trade. Amphorae, graffiti, frescoes and tavern remains show that wine was an essential part of everyday life, consumed in many different settings, from humble inns to lavish elite banquets.
In some houses, archaeologists even found advertising inscriptions for places where people could eat and drink. Today, travellers who want to combine history and wine tasting can explore the Vesuvian wine region and join educational experiences such as Pompeii & Vesuvius educational trips, which blend archaeology, nature and vineyards.
The phallus as a lucky symbol: why is it so common in Pompeii?
Visitors to Pompeii are often surprised by how often phallic symbols appear carved or painted on walls, pavements, and shop signs. It may seem shocking to modern eyes, but in the Roman world the phallus was first and foremost a symbol of fertility, prosperity and protection against the evil eye. It was not limited to the sexual sphere, but was linked to good fortune in general.
Many of these symbols marked bakeries or workshops, or served as talismans for the home. In other words, they were a visible form of superstition, not unlike certain amulets still used today in various cultures.
Graffiti: the public noticeboard of ancient Pompeii
Among the most loved curiosities of Pompeii are its graffiti. Thousands have been recorded: declarations of love, insults between gladiator fan groups, political slogans, invitations to shows, jokes and fragments of poetry. Some are tender (“I love you, please love me back”), some are cruel, others simply funny or ironic.
Writing on walls was a common and socially accepted gesture, especially in certain parts of the city. Graffiti were a real “trend” of the time, a way of leaving your mark in a shared space – exactly as we do today on social media and in online comments.
The Amphitheatre of Pompeii: shows, gladiators and architectural curiosities
Pompeii is home to one of the oldest surviving stone amphitheatres, built around 80 BC. Here, gladiatorial games, spectacular hunts and other hugely popular forms of entertainment took place. One lesser-known curiosity is that after violent clashes between rival supporters – the “ultras” of the time – the amphitheatre was even closed for several years by order of the central Roman authorities.
The amphitheatre was not just a place of entertainment: it also reflected social tensions, the prestige of families who sponsored the games, and the collective identity of the city.
Venus Pompeiana: the protective goddess of the city
The patron deity of Pompeii was a particular form of the goddess Venus, often referred to as Venus Pompeiana or Venus Physica Pompeiana. Her temple occupied a prominent position on the edge of the city, overlooking the sea and the Sarno plain. For the people of Pompeii, Venus was linked not only to love and beauty, but also to the protection of the community, the fertility of the land and the success of trade.
The presence of such a powerful goddess as the city’s patron reminds us how strongly religion, political life and urban identity were intertwined in the Roman world.
Was Pompeii a popular destination for the rich?
Yes. An important curiosity is that Pompeii was also a holiday destination for wealthy Roman landowners, who built villas in the surrounding countryside, overlooking the sea or nestled among Vesuvius’ vineyards. Its strategic position, mild climate, fertile soil and proximity to cities such as Naples and Pozzuoli made the area especially attractive.
For travellers who want to recreate this idea of Pompeii as a base to explore the region, there are itineraries that combine Pompeii, Vesuvius and other sites such as Herculaneum, like the route described in Pompeii, Herculaneum and Vesuvius tour itinerary, perfect for those who want a stay that blends history, nature and panoramic views.
What has been discovered in Pompeii – and what is still emerging
Pompeii is far from being a “closed chapter” of history: excavations and research are still ongoing. Every year, new houses, frescoes, workshops, inscriptions and even remains of meals, seeds and everyday tools come to light. In recent years, some studies have revealed traces of people returning to the area after the eruption – to recover materials or even to live among the ruins in difficult conditions. These findings are constantly evolving and may be updated with new discoveries.
It is important to remember that many aspects of daily life in Pompeii are reconstructed from material clues, comparisons and scientific hypotheses. What we know today is already a lot, but it does not rule out future changes in interpretation as archaeology progresses.
Pompeii in cinema, music and pop culture
Another curiosity is how Pompeii has become, in more recent centuries, a true cultural icon: a set for films, documentaries, novels, historic concerts (such as the famous Pink Floyd performance), exhibitions and art installations. The ancient city is not just an archaeological site – it is a global symbol of memory, fragility and beauty.
If this aspect fascinates you, you can explore it further in the article Pompeii in movies, films, documentaries and concerts, which shows how the ruins have become a privileged stage for major events and contemporary storytelling.
Curiosities for children and educational trips: how to tell Pompeii to kids
The curiosities of Pompeii are incredibly engaging for children too: the casts of the victims, mosaics with animals, wall writings, carts in the streets, and ancient shops selling bread and wine. For families or schools planning a visit, it can be very helpful to start with simpler language that turns historical facts into stories.
For example, you can use a simplified version of the story by reading Pompeii for kids – story, or plan a trip that combines learning and exploration, such as Pompeii & Vesuvius: educational trip, perfect for curious schools and families.
How to turn these curiosities into a real trip to Pompeii
After exploring all these curiosities about Pompeii – from the meaning of the name to the graffiti, from Pompeian Red to Venus, from phallic symbols to wine – the next step is to see them in real life. A great idea is to create a custom itinerary that combines the archaeological site, the modern town and the surrounding area, ideally starting from accommodation close to the site entrance.
If you want to make the most of your time, you can start from an itinerary like What to see in Pompeii in one day, and then extend it over several days to add an excursion to Vesuvius, visits to Herculaneum or a tour along the coast. The right base and a smart route will help you discover both the ancient and modern sides of Pompeii at your own pace.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Pompeii curiosities
Are the people of Pompeii really “petrified”?
No. The bodies we see today are casts in plaster or resin made by filling the cavities left in the hardened ash after the bodies decomposed. This technique was developed by archaeologists in the 19th century.
How many people lived in Pompeii and how many died?
It is estimated that at least 20,000 people lived in Pompeii at the time of the eruption. Around 1,300 individuals have been found so far. The exact number of victims and survivors is not known and remains under study, so these figures should be seen as estimates rather than absolute data.
What does “Pompeii curiosities” mean?
It is a way of referring to all the lesser-known stories, details and symbols linked to the city: from Pompeian Red to the graffiti on the walls, from phallic symbols to the cult of Venus, from the role of wine to unusual aspects of everyday life.
Where does Pompeian Red come from?
Pompeian Red is linked to pigments based on iron oxides, similar to red ochre. In some cases, the heat of the eruption may have altered the original tones, making them appear more intense. Research on this topic is still evolving, so explanations may be refined over time.
Can you still see graffiti and phallic symbols in Pompeii today?
Yes. During your visit to the archaeological site, along the streets and on the walls of certain houses and shops, you can still see graffiti, inscriptions and phallic symbols. Some are visible in situ, others have been moved to museums for conservation reasons.
