The Town of Pompeii (Stage 3) - answers

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1. How far from Pompeii is Mount Vesuvius?

Mount Vesuvius is eight kilometres from Pompeii.

2. Why did rich Romans like to have houses in Campania? (Give more than one reason.)

Rich Romans had houses in Campania because there was fertile land for growing crops, the climate was pleasant and it was a peaceful area.

3. How many gates were there?

There were eight gates.

4. a) Why were the pavements so high?

The pavements were high to separate vehicles from pedestrians. The streets were also very dirty, because of the animals and the rubbish which people threw there.

b) Why do you think they had stepping-stones? (2)

The stepping stones made it easier for Pompeians to get from one high pavement to the other. They also meant that they did not have to step in the dirty road.

5. a) How was water brought to the town?

Water was brought to the town in an aqueduct.

b) To what three different places did water go? (for example, some private houses)

Water went to some private houses, the fountains in the streets and the baths.

6. What three differences were there between the Theatre (the large theatre) and the Odeon (the small theatre) ?

There were three differences between the Odeon and the Theatre. The Odeon was smaller, it had a roof and it was used for concerts. The Theatre was larger, was open-air and was used for plays.

7. What was the amphitheatre used for?

The amphitheatre was used for fights between gladiators and for animal hunts.

8. What is the Latin word for the open-air sports area?

An open-air sports area was called a palaestra.

9. Suggest one way we can tell what a shop was used for.

We can tell what a shop was used for by a picture painted or carved outside. For example a goat was the sign for a dairy.