the geographical setting and natural features of Campania

The excavated site of Pompeii is situated approximately 22 km southeast of Naples and about 200 km south of Rome, within the Campania region, near the Gulf of Naples. Campania is characterised by a coastal plain surrounded by mountain ranges: the Apennines to the east and the Lattari Mountains to the south. Mount Vesuvius, a stratovolcano that famously erupted in AD 79, dominates the Campanian plain and currently rises to about 1,300 meters in height, located northeast of Pompeii.

The Sarno River flows westward through the plain before emptying into the Gulf of Naples, a broad, crescent-shaped bay on the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west of both Pompeii and Herculaneum. Pompeii itself was strategically located on elevated land formed by ancient lava flows—known as spurs—north of the Sarno River’s mouth, providing natural protection from flooding and advantageous views of the surrounding area. Herculaneum lay north of Vesuvius along the coastline.

It is important to note that due to the extensive volcanic deposits from the AD 79 eruption, both Pompeii and Herculaneum are now situated hundreds of metres inland. In antiquity, they were much closer to the sea, which influenced their economies and lifestyles.

Resources

The long history of volcanic activity in the Campania region contributed to creating some of the most fertile soils in the Italian Peninsula. This rich volcanic soil supported diverse and productive agriculture. Key crops included wheat and barley, staples of the Roman diet, alongside a variety of vegetables.

Viticulture was especially significant; the cultivation of grapevines and the production of wine were central to the local economy and culture. Olive trees were extensively grown, and olive oil production was a major industry, used both locally and traded widely.

Animal husbandry complemented agriculture, with sheep and goats raised for meat, milk, skins, and wool, providing essential resources for daily life and trade.

The coastal location also provided abundant marine resources. The rich waters supported a thriving fishing industry, including the harvesting of shellfish. One notable product was garum, a fermented fish sauce highly prized and widely traded throughout the ancient Mediterranean world, reflecting the importance of Pompeii and Herculaneum in regional commerce.