The Timeless Charm of the Forum of Pompeii

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusami/Scusa
  [skoo-sah-mee/skoo-sah]
• 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
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-reh veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-reh pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vattene!
  [vaht-teh-neh]
• 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-no pehr-soh]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-reh kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• 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-no leh dyeh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-no]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-ree-tsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee moh-stahr-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon bee-lyet-toh (pehr)]

The Forum of Pompeii served as the central public space of the city, dating back to the 6th century BCE. It was the epicenter of political, social, and economic life, surrounded by important temples, public buildings, and marketplaces. This area was pivotal for civic activities and gatherings, reflecting the grandeur of Roman architecture and urban planning.

The Forum housed several temples, including the Temple of Jupiter, which was dedicated to the chief deity of the Roman pantheon. The construction of these temples not only illustrates the religious devotion of the Pompeians but also their architectural expertise. The Temple of Apollo, dating back to the 2nd century BCE, is another significant structure that highlights the blend of Greek and Roman religious practices.

Throughout the Roman Republic and into the Empire, the Forum served as the political heart of Pompeii. It was here that public speeches, elections, and legal proceedings took place. The presence of a basilica within the Forum, a common feature in Roman towns, indicates the importance of law and governance in the daily lives of Pompeii’s citizens.

The Forum also functioned as a marketplace, where traders and citizens engaged in commerce. The presence of the Macellum, a marketplace for food, and various shops indicates a vibrant economic environment. The Forum facilitated trade not only within Pompeii but also with neighboring regions, contributing to the city’s prosperity.

The catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE buried Pompeii under ash and pumice, preserving the Forum and its buildings in a remarkable state. This event halted the daily activities of the Forum, leaving it a poignant testament to the life and culture of the ancient Romans. Excavations have revealed detailed insights into the social, political, and economic dynamics of Pompeii before its destruction.

The Forum was rediscovered in the 18th century during the excavation of Pompeii, revealing a wealth of artifacts and structures that provide invaluable insights into Roman life. The ongoing archaeological efforts continue to uncover layers of history, allowing researchers and visitors to understand the complexities of life in this ancient city.

The Forum of Pompeii is centrally located within the archaeological site of Pompeii. If you are coming from Naples, you can take the Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Centrale to Pompeii Scavi - Villa dei Misteri station, which is a short walk from the entrance to the ruins. If you are already in Pompeii, the Forum is easily accessible on foot from other neighborhoods within the archaeological site.

The Forum of Pompeii is part of a pedestrian-friendly zone, and the best way to explore is on foot. The site is well-marked with signs directing you to various attractions. There are no public transportation options within the site, but taxis are available outside the main gates if you need to go to nearby areas. Bicycles are not allowed within the archaeological ruins.

Pompeii is generally safe for tourists, but standard safety precautions should be taken. Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially near the main entrance and popular sites like the Forum. Although crime rates are low, it is wise to remain vigilant and keep your belongings secure.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police assistance or 118 for medical emergencies. The nearest hospital is in the town of Pompeii, but it’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical issues. For minor ailments, you can find pharmacies around the town.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking, and dress appropriately for the weather. Avoid overly casual attire like beachwear. Religion: Do respect the historical significance of the site, and refrain from loud conversations. Public Transport: Do be courteous and allow others to pass when walking. Don’t litter or vandalize the site. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Buongiorno' (Good Morning). Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy a local gelato or drink water, but don’t eat while walking through the ruins.

To experience the Forum of Pompeii like a local, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Engage with the knowledgeable guides available at the entrance for deeper insights into the history of the Forum. Explore the smaller, lesser-known paths around the Forum to discover quieter spots and unique perspectives of the ruins.