CONSERVATION, PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION

THE SECOND DEATH OF POMPEII ‘to dig is to destroy’ – once a site is excavated there is an abrupt change in the environment, structures and objects.‘to dig is to destroy’ – once a site is excavated there is an abrupt change in the environment, structures and objects. Exposure to light, wind erosion, damp etcExposure to light, wind erosion, damp etc

For over 200 years Pompeii has been subjected to these destructive forces and for the most part, little has been done to stop its destruction.For over 200 years Pompeii has been subjected to these destructive forces and for the most part, little has been done to stop its destruction – Karl Schefold – 1/3 of all wall paintings and structures had faded beyond repair.1957 – Karl Schefold – 1/3 of all wall paintings and structures had faded beyond repair.

Even archaeologists have contributed to the decay – soft wood rot, metal corrosion, modern mortars.Even archaeologists have contributed to the decay – soft wood rot, metal corrosion, modern mortars. Vandalism has also taken its tollVandalism has also taken its toll Human and natural catastrophes – bombing 1943 and earthquakes in the early 1980sHuman and natural catastrophes – bombing 1943 and earthquakes in the early 1980s

By far the largest destructive forces – weather, plant growth, pollution and tourists Sunlight and ozone – cause fading and bleaching and a breakdown of organic materialsSunlight and ozone – cause fading and bleaching and a breakdown of organic materials Acid rain and air borne substances – cause discolouration, abrasion and corrosionAcid rain and air borne substances – cause discolouration, abrasion and corrosion Rain penetrates inadequate roofing, damp rises from floors – causing algae growthRain penetrates inadequate roofing, damp rises from floors – causing algae growth Weeds grow over the ruins – roots buckle and loosen floorsWeeds grow over the ruins – roots buckle and loosen floors

The greatest negative impact are tourists – esp when they are pushed into smaller and smaller areasThe greatest negative impact are tourists – esp when they are pushed into smaller and smaller areas Feet trampling mosaics, breathing inside, camera flashes, rubbish, souvenirs, graffitiFeet trampling mosaics, breathing inside, camera flashes, rubbish, souvenirs, graffiti

It was estimated in 2001 that it would cost $US 300 million to fix the problems in Pompeii, Herculaneum, Stabiae, Oplontis and Boscoreale.It was estimated in 2001 that it would cost $US 300 million to fix the problems in Pompeii, Herculaneum, Stabiae, Oplontis and Boscoreale.

QUESTION USING THE EVIDENCE OF THE CURRENT STATE OF POMPEII AND HERCULANEUM AND YOUR OWN KNOWLEDGE WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE BEST PLAN FOR THE FUTURE OF THE CITIES OF VESUVIUS.USING THE EVIDENCE OF THE CURRENT STATE OF POMPEII AND HERCULANEUM AND YOUR OWN KNOWLEDGE WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE BEST PLAN FOR THE FUTURE OF THE CITIES OF VESUVIUS. (15 MARKS – 1 ½ - 2 PAGES)