Ancient Walls, Pompei

The Ancient Walls of Pompeii bear witness to the city's rich and eventful past, dating back to the Samnite era from the 4th to the 2nd centuries BC, with some parts even originating in the 6th century BC. Constructed by the Samnites, these walls were built to be strong and practical, featuring mounds on the inside to aid defenders. However, despite their sturdy construction, they couldn't withstand the attack by Sulla's forces. The Romans, choosing a strategy of gradual wearing down rather than immediate assault, used catapults to systematically break down the walls.

In the 3rd century BC, significant reinforcements were made by adding a layer of stone to the existing earthwork, showing continuous efforts to strengthen Pompeii's defenses. The walls, spanning a total of 3,220 meters and having seven gates, still show signs of Roman siege equipment, providing insight into ancient warfare tactics. Despite some historical ideas, archaeological findings have disproved the existence of an eighth gate, called the Capua gate.

After Pompeii was captured in the 1st century BC, the Romans extensively repaired and improved the city's defenses, adding or renovating 12 towers on the northeastern side, which was seen as the most vulnerable. Unlike the original walls, these Roman additions prioritized architectural beauty over military utility. Notably, the Herculaneum or Salt Gate was changed into a three-span triumphal arch, significantly reducing its defensive function.

The northern part of Pompeii, which was the main target of Roman attacks and the city's highest point, still displays signs of Roman weaponry. Despite suffering damage in the earthquake of 62 AD, the walls and towers were quickly repaired, only to be further harmed by the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius. Remarkably, the ancient Samnite walls have survived all these disasters, remaining the best-preserved parts of Pompeii's defenses. Their endurance provides a unique insight into the ancient world, highlighting the engineering skills and tumultuous history of this famous Roman city.