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NSWAncient HistoryQuick questions
Section I (Core Study): Cities of Vesuvius - Pompeii and Herculaneum
Quick questions on Economy, trade, and occupations in Pompeii and Herculaneum: HSC Ancient History
4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is garum production?Show answer
Pompeii was a major Mediterranean centre for garum, the fermented fish sauce used in nearly every Roman dish. The workshop of Aulus Umbricius Scaurus produced four named grades (highest "flos floris," second, third, fourth). Urceus jars labelled "G(ari) F(los) Scauri" have been found across the empire.
What is textile industry?Show answer
The fullonicae cleaned and treated wool. The Fullery of Stephanus on the Via dell'Abbondanza preserves the basins where wool was trampled with urine (collected in amphorae outside the shop), the press, and dyeing facilities. The "Procession of the Fullers" fresco from the Fullery of Veranius Hypsaeus shows fullers worshipping Venus, who was both Pompeii's patron deity and patron of the trade.
What are bakeries?Show answer
Over 30 bakeries (pistrina) have been identified. The Bakery of Modestus produced 81 loaves carbonised in the oven on the day of the eruption. Lava-stone millstones turned by donkeys ground the grain; the loaves were marked with a cross to break into eight portions.
What is pottery and brickmaking?Show answer
The kilns of the Eumachia family produced amphorae and tiles. Bronze and metal workshops along the Via dell'Abbondanza produced cookware, tools, and votive items.
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