Herculaneum: An Ancient Civilization Preserved in Time

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-DEHR-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pair fah-VOH-reh/PRAY-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [GRAH-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryMi scusi/Scusa
  [mee SKOO-zee / SKOO-zah]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh STAH-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [BEH-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [PAHR-lee een-GLEH-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [non kah-PEES-koh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vohr-RAY veh-DEH-reh eel MEH-noo, pair fah-VOH-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [non MAHN-joh KAHR-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-LOO-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-RAY pah-GAH-reh, pair fah-VOH-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-YOO-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vy VEE-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiamate la polizia!
  [kyah-MAH-teh lah poh-LEE-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiamate un dottore!
  [kyah-MAH-teh oon doht-TOH-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee SOH-noh PEHR-soh]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh MAH-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-RAY kohm-PRAH-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh SOH-loh gwahr-DAHN-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [KWAN-toh KOH-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh TROH-poh KAH-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Può abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah ahb-bah-SAH-reh eel PREHT-soh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh OH-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh LOO-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [SOH-noh leh dee-EH-chee eh MEHT-sah]
• MorningMattina
  [mah-TEEN-ah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-REE-joh]
• EveningSera
  [SEH-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [YEH-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [OH-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-MAH-nee]
• 1Uno
  [OO-noh]
• 2Due
  [DWEH]
• 3Tre
  [TREH]
• 4Quattro
  [KWAHT-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [CHEEN-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [SAY]
• 7Sette
  [SEH-teh]
• 8Otto
  [OH-toh]
• 9Nove
  [NOH-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [DYEH-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...
  [doh-VEH oon/eel]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwal eh leen-dee-REET-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [PWAW-ee mohs-TRAHR-mee (SOOL-lah MAHP-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando è il prossimo (autobus)?
  [KWAN-doh eh eel PROHS-soh pross-SEE-moh (OW-toh-BOOS)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon bee-LYEH-toh (pair)]

Herculaneum, believed to have been founded by the Oscans in the 6th century BC, was named after the Greek hero Hercules. The town gained significance under the Samnites and later became a Roman municipium after the Social War in 89 BC.

During the Roman period, Herculaneum prospered as a wealthy residential town. Its strategic location on the Bay of Naples made it a favorite resort for Rome's elite. Luxurious villas, bathhouses, and public buildings adorned the town, reflecting its affluence and high social status.

On August 24, 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted catastrophically, burying Herculaneum under approximately 20 meters of volcanic material. Unlike Pompeii, which was covered in ash, Herculaneum was engulfed by pyroclastic flows, which preserved wooden structures, organic materials, and even food by carbonization.

Herculaneum lay hidden for nearly 1,700 years until its accidental rediscovery in 1709 by a well-digger named Rocque Joaquin de Alcubierre. Excavations, initially carried out through tunnels, unearthed stunning frescoes, mosaics, and artifacts, sparking a renewed interest in Roman art and culture.

Systematic excavations began in the 20th century, revealing more of Herculaneum's urban landscape and daily life. Today, efforts are focused on preserving the site from environmental and human damage while continuing to uncover its hidden treasures. The Herculaneum Conservation Project, launched in 2001, has played a pivotal role in these endeavors.

Herculaneum's residents enjoyed a high standard of living, evident in the well-preserved homes, shops, and public baths. The city's infrastructure included advanced water systems, public latrines, and an impressive sewer network, showcasing Roman engineering prowess. Frescoes and mosaics provide insights into the daily activities, religious practices, and social interactions of its inhabitants.

Herculaneum is located in the Campania region of Italy, near the Bay of Naples. The closest major airport is Naples International Airport (Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino), approximately 15 kilometers away. From Naples, you can take the Circumvesuviana train line towards Sorrento and get off at the Ercolano Scavi station, which is a short walk from the archaeological site. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or use ride-sharing services for a more direct route.

Public transportation in Herculaneum is well-connected and convenient. The Circumvesuviana train line is the most efficient way to travel to and from Naples and other nearby towns. Local buses also operate within the town and can take you to various attractions. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available for more personalized travel. Renting a car is another option, but be mindful of limited parking spaces and narrow streets in the historical areas.

The official currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and market purchases. ATMs are available throughout Herculaneum, but it's prudent to withdraw sufficient cash in Naples or at the airport to avoid any inconvenience.

Herculaneum is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Be cautious of pickpockets, especially around tourist areas and public transportation hubs. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services including police, medical, and fire departments. Local police stations and medical facilities are available in Herculaneum. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces. Avoid wearing overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in churches and other religious sites. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trains and buses. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t rush your meals; Italians appreciate leisurely dining.

To experience Herculaneum like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Italian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss exploring the lesser-known parts of the archaeological site for a more intimate experience. For a unique local experience, visit Herculaneum's seaside promenade and enjoy the views of the Bay of Naples. Also, consider taking a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the rich history and significance of the area.