ROME, POMPEII AND HERCULANEUM

Since 2006, a study of the ‘Cities of Vesuvius’ – Pompeii and Herculaneum – has been a compulsory component of the NSW Ancient History HSC syllabus. This 13-day tour has been designed by experts specifically to follow the syllabus content and outcomes. The tour gives students broad understanding of the historical context in which Pompeii and Herculaneum developed as well as providing a detailed examination of private and public life, the economy, building, art and religion in the ancient cities. There is particular emphasis on the use of both archaeological and written historical sources in constructing and discussing evidence. The eruption of Mt Vesuvius in AD79 is an event richly endowed with myth as well as fact. Background talks and in-depth site visits will help students develop the critical skills to separate fact from myth. Combined with stunning scenery, spectacular historical sites and the charm of a great European capital, the journey will provide a memorable event in the school year.

ITINERARY

Some of the sites visited on the 13 day trip with a few variations will be:-

• Rome including visiting Hadrian’s Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps

• The republican and imperial forums, the Circus Maximus and the colosseum, the Capitoline Hill Museum

• Hadrian’s villa at Tivoli, the secret catacombs

• St Peter’s - Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel

• Mt Vesuvius – to climb the summit

• Seaside town of Herculaneum

• Pompeii

• Capri

• Paestum and the Amalfi coast