Herculaneum was the first of the two cities to be rediscovered, though it was initially discovered by accident. In 1709, workers digging a well in the area stumbled upon the remains of the city. However, at the time, the significance of the find was not fully understood. The ruins were partially excavated, but it was not until the 18th century that archaeological interest in the site truly took off.

Under the reign of King Charles III of Naples, excavation efforts began in earnest in the mid-18th century. By the 1750s, Herculaneum had become a focal point for early archaeological exploration. The city’s position, buried under a thick layer of volcanic material, made it difficult to excavate, but archaeologists began uncovering impressive structures, including villas, public baths, and numerous artifacts, including scrolls from the Villa of the Papyri.

The Rediscovery of Pompeii

Pompeii’s rediscovery came a few decades later. In 1748, an Italian engineer named Rocque Joaquín de Alcubierre, working under the orders of King Charles III of Naples, began a systematic excavation of the area around Pompeii. The discovery of Pompeii was not as accidental as Herculaneum, but it was still somewhat haphazard at first.

Alcubierre and his team focused on digging tunnels to uncover the ancient city, which lay buried under many feet of ash and pumice. Over time, they unearthed buildings, streets, and artifacts that provided evidence of Pompeii's vibrant society. Like Herculaneum, Pompeii's preservation was extraordinary—homes, shops, public buildings, and even human remains were preserved for centuries, offering scholars a unique opportunity to study life during the Roman Empire. shutdown123