fun things to do with kids in pompeii  italy    
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    Pompeii and Herculaneum
Pompeii
When Vesuvius popped its top in August, 79 AD, it spewed ashes in all directions, neatly burying the towns of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and several others. For more than a thousand years, the buried towns were forgotten, until the 18th century, when Herculaneum was discovered, then Pompeii. Pompeii has been almost completely excavated, a time capsule of Roman life, which kids can explore today.
Pompeii
 

Pompeii – There's something about a ghost town that's very appealing. Pompeii has a lot to see, so take your time.

In the Bakery of Modesto, when Vesuvius blew its top, bread was in the oven (similar to pizza ovens today). The House of the Faun has incredible mosaics and is a glimpse of a wealthy Roman villa. Check out the baths for ideas on remodeling your bathroom at home. The civic and theater areas are good for a run. A personal favorite is the Villa of Mysteries.

      Sanctuary of the Madonna of Pompeii – It's also worth a stop to see this lovely19th century basilica in the center of "modern" Pompeii. The inside of the church is beautifully adorned with lovely mosaics and a gem-enrusted canvas of the Madonna and child. You can ride the elevator to the top of the bell tower for a bird's eye views of the Gulf of Naples.
    Climb to the top Mt. Vesuvius – A road leads most of the way up, and it's not a long climb to the top (650 feet up). The trail is well maintained, but good closed-toed shoes are a must. The inside of the crater is awesome and from the top of the volcano, it feels like you're on top of the world.
    Herculaneum (Ercolano) – Like Pompeii, Herculaneum was also buried in the ash and mud from Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. Many private houses have been preserved, as well as shops, such as a wine shop with wine jars on the counter. Don't miss the House of Neptune and Amphitrite with its graceful mosaics on the walls.
kids books pompeii italy
     
Pompeii  
Pompeii
Peter Connolly

Get the scoop on daily life in ancient Pompeii, and when you visit the ruins, you can imagine fully-furnished houses, dinner guests reclining on couches, busy shoppers in the streets, people relaxing in heated baths, masked plays in the theaters, games in the arena. Excellent reconstruction drawings. Good for older kids. (Chapter book, illustrations)

 

     
The Pirates of Pompeii (Roman Mysteries 3)
Caroline Lawrence

Mount Vesuvius has erupted, destroying the town of Pompeii, but Flavia and her three friends have escaped, only to find themselves in the middle of a new mystery adventure. Some runaway slaves aren't what they seem, children are missing, and from the Green Grotto, a pirate boat sets sail with a secret cargo. (Chapter book)

And for the previous adventure: The Secrets of Vesuvius

 

 
     
Pompeii: Lost & Found  
Pompeii - Lost & Found
Mary Pope Osborne, Bonnie Christensen

Ancient history and archeological discovery of Pompeii, the "lost town." Find out what the archeologists uncovered and what life was like in a Roman town, nearly 2,000 years ago. Richly illustrated, inspired by colors and styles of ancient Roman frescoes, brings Pompeii to life. (Picture book)

 

     
Pompeii...Buried Alive!
Edith Kunhardt, Michael Eagle

Kids can read for themselves about what happened when Vesuvius blew its stack, what was going on Pompeii that day, "The slaves were in the kitchen making breakfast," how the town was buried in ashes, until one day, it was re-discovered. (Easy reader)

 

 
Pompeii Buried Alive
     
The Pompeii Pop-Up - kids books Pompeii  
The Pompeii Pop-Up
Peter Riley

Pompeii, the city frozen in time, leaps off the page in this exciting pop-up book – 3-D trading ship, the forum and theater, a Roman villa and public bath, Mt. Vesuvius erupting, map of the excavations, plus a paper gladiator mask to wear. (Pop-up book)

 

     
Vacation Under the Volcano (Magic Tree House)
Mary Pope Osborne

Jack and Annie travel back in time to Pompeii 79 A.D. to retrieve a papyrus scroll and narrowly escape the burning lava from Mt. Vesuvius. (Easy reader)

And don't miss the Magic Tree House Research Guide: Ancient Rome and Pompeii

 

 
(More children's books on other Italy pages)