Pompeii Webquest

Magistra Schneider
Latin I

  Introduction

In 79 A.D. a volcano erupted that changed history. The people of Pompeii were actually
caught unaware of the danger the mountain of Vesuvius could pose to their well being. In
late August the city was bustling with activity. Housewives and slaves traded at the
outdoor market purchasing items needed for their household. The baker set out fragrant
loaves of bread. Farmers carefully displayed their produce (garlic, onions, cabbage, olives
and dates) grown in the fertile soil surrounding Mt. Vesuvius. Chickens and goats
wandered among the many statues of famous Romans, some chased by the children
playing games in the streets. People walked carrying their goods since wheeled traffic was
not allowed in the forum or "downtown" area.

Mount Vesuvius, which is near Naples, Italy, lay dormant for many years with only a few
rumblings. On August 24, A.D. 79 the long dormant volcano powerfully erupted. The
residents of Pompeii and Herculaneum were taken by surprise! Hot ash and bits of lava
rocks rained down on the citizens of the city for hours until it was buried twenty feet deep.
Many people escaped, coughing and stumbling through the ash cloud darkness. Those
not fortunate enough to escape, were overwhelmed by a sudden powerful blast of gas and
ash. The buried towns were forgotten until excavations began in the 18th century.

What were the lives of the people of Pompeii really like? How did they spend their time?
Through this webquest, you will spend time learning about what the "average" people of
Pompeii's lives were like before the eruption. You will take on the identity of a common,
working class citizen and learn about their lifestyle.

  Task

While you are living during this dramatic and explosive time in history, you will keep a
personal journal. Your journal will record thoughts, observations, daily chores and
activities for yourself and others around you.
Your journal entry must include the following items:

1. Include information describing yourself and what type of person you are.
2. Details about your everyday life. What did you do today? You need to provide detailed
descriptions so archelogists in the future can document life in 79 A.D., Pompeii. Your
entry will be the "video camera" into your daily life.
3. Details about different places that your visit throughout the day (the baths, the theater,
the forum, etc.). These must be accurate and descriptive.

This journal must be at least 2 pages in length (500 words). This journal entry is to give
you insight about what it is like to be a working class citizen in Pompeii during 79AD.

  Process

Pompeii is a bustling port city of 20,000 people. Citizens through out are relaxing in the
bath houses, buying and selling wares at the forum market place, participating in games
at the local sports arena, reading campaign slogans in anticipation of the upcoming
election, listening to speeches (some exciting and some boring!) in the government
building, being entertained at dinner parties, grabbing a quick bite at the local "fast food
vendor", or serving their masters wishes (8,000 people were slaves).

1. Before you begin to write in your journal, you must learn to which lifestyle you were
born. Draw a fate card to give you your postion in life. You will draw one of the following
identies:

Bread Maker
Housewife
Soldier
Slave
Farmer
Weaver
Physician

2. After you know your life style, you must find out about the "life and times" of Pompeii.
Follow the resources to become familiar with background information on the setting and
events in Pompeii. You need to read these to become familiar with the life you will live in
Pompeii so your journal entries will be full of factual events.

3. Visit websites that will give you information about the places you can visit during the
day. You too will want to stop by the baths, grab a quick bite to eat at the food vendor and
work out at the outdoor gym. Make sure to include these details in your journal!

N.B. Your writing needs to sound like it comes from a real person, in otherwords, realistic
and descriptive. The reader needs to feel your thoughts and emotions. You need to write
in first person - from their point of view, with their opinions. Include locations around the
city as you walk and visit them, tell what you did there, etc.

  Resources - Links

General

Roles

Evaluation Rubric

10-9 8-7 6-5 4-3 2-0
Spelling, Grammar, Point of View and Letter Format Few spelling or grammar mistakes evident. Journal written in 1st person in correct letter formatting. Some spelling or grammar mistakes evident. Journal written in 1st person in correct letter formatting. Some spelling or grammar mistakes evident but don't distract the reader. Journal written in 1st person in letter formatting. Spelling and grammar mistakes evident. Journal is more of a report format than a 1st person account. Too many errors to count--make reading distracting or impossible. Journal is not written from 1st person, and not in letter format.
Accurate Portrayal of Personal Identity (job) Personal Identity is well described including the tools of trade used, daily activities, how business is conducted, etc Personal Identity is described including the tools of trade used, daily activities, how business is conducted, etc Personal Identity is briefly described including the tools of trade used, daily activities, how business is conducted, etc Description of Personal Identity is provided, but not in a complete manner. Does not describe job at all or gives inaccurate information.
Factual / Histrorical Accuracy Places visited and activities are realistic & accurate. Description is vivid. Excellent insight into the life of a Pompeiian. Places visited and activities are accurate. Description is vivid. Good insight into the life of a Pompeiian. Places visited and activities are accurate. Description is adequate. Insight into the life of a Pompeiian given. Places visited and activities are included. Some description. Some insight given into the life of a Pompeiian. Does not include Pompeii places, no description, little to no insight.
Creativity Journal is presented in a creative manner with much attention to artistic details. Journal is presented in a creative manner with attention to artistic details. Journal is presented in a creative manner. Journal is presented with little creativity. Journal is presented with little creativity.

  Conclusion


In conclusion, you now have a feel for life in 79 A.D., Pompeii. The city was a bustling place
in the shadow of a mountain. Unfortunately, they were not able to understand the warnings
emitted from Mount Vesuvuis. The Romans were very proud of their "modern" technology,
but today we have access to so much more knowledge. Imagine living there in their time, but
with 21st century knowledge. How might you have alerted the citizens of Pompeii to the
impending danger? How would you get them to listen to you?