M.E.T.H.O.D.

I'm ashamed of saying this but the Italian state has bigger issues right now,connected with the decrease of the public debt as the EU dictates.
Plus the the Culture Ministry is probably one of the less financed, regardless of the economic situation

Guaporense

Well, since Pompeii is not only Italian but global heritage, I would guess that Italy is only partly responsible for it.

If I were a billionare, I would gladly fund an organization dedicated at the preservation of existing archaeological sites, such as Pompeii, and the excavation of new sites. (also, it is interesting that only 60% of Pompeii has been unearthed, there are still hundreds and hundreds of buildings in Pompeii still unexcavated).

Kirialax

There are so many major sites waiting for major excavation. Even Ephesos still has large areas that have never been excavated. I would also like to see more excavation done at Perge, given that what has been unearthed is far more impressive than anything Pompeii has to offer (minus the frescoes and the archaeological advantage of being frozen in time, of course).

Brisieis

Maybe that is a blessing.

If nobody can save Pompeii as we know it, maybe the parts that have not been unearthed will keep for when money is available to preserve it better...?

Galladrim

I agree. I'm currently doing a study on Pompeii and Herculaneum and I just can't see the site lasting.

Pompeii is one of the most visited sites in Italy, it gets over 2 million visitors a year. It simply can't withstand the pressure its being placed under and sadly as has been noted previously it lacks the necessary funds to support itself.
This means they use cheap local labor for repair, with no consideration for the historical integrity of the site. Shoddy workmanship has mean that several protection measures have ironically precipitated the collapse of some areas.



Verona Charter on the Use of Ancient Places of Performance 1997.
Any changes made to the heritage must respect the principle of reversibility", or "Adequate information will have to be supplied to contractors, planners and all other partners on the possibilities afforded by the development of techniques for improving skills for the conservation and use of sites." or even "Maintenance, reinforcement and restoration work carried out on ancient places of performance must be based on sufficient scientific documentation and thorough archaeological analysis."

And when restoration work is done like this:
Before


After:


Keeping in mind the quote above

and then used for this:


I just wonder if its any surprise.

I've met some of the people who've worked on Pompeii in the past, including Australia's own Dr Jaye McKenzie-Clark, and they call it the second death of Pompeii. Its sad, and I really want to travel to see before it disappears.

Brisieis

Thanks for the info.

I have visited Herculanium but not yet Pompeii, I guess it is the next best thing so I can't complain.

I hope you get to see Pompeii before the worst happens.

Attilio

For the simple reason that the prime minister of Italy is focused into preserving himself as much as possible.

I'm 52, I have known what Italy was before these last 20 years. For sure it was better than today. Probably we (italians) have what we deserve.

The ruins of Pompei are a perfect picture of my beloved country.

Hope that something will change.

I do not know english well but I would translate in my awkward english an italian expression in this way: "The hope of naked people is to have a warm winter"

Brisieis

I think your English is quite exellent actually!

Attilio

Thank You Brisieis: You are the living evidence that the respect for old men still exists!

Brisieis

Well, I would not say 52 is old.