HSC Pompeii and Herculaneum

2018/19 New NSW Curriculum

Part I Core Study: Cities of Vesuvius – Pompeii and Herculaneum

Past HSC Questions

Examinable content

Pompeii and Herculaneum

Content Students investigate:

Survey

● the geographical setting and natural features of Campania (ACHAH365, ACHAH371)

● the eruption of AD 79 and its impact on Pompeii and Herculaneum (ACHAH367, ACHAH372)

● early discoveries and the changing nature of excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries (ACHAH369)

● representations of Pompeii and Herculaneum over time (ACHAH383)

Focus of study

Investigating and interpreting the sources for Pompeii and Herculaneum

● the evidence provided by the range of sources, including site layout, streetscapes, public and private buildings, ancient writers, official inscriptions, graffiti, wall paintings, statues, mosaics, human, animal and plant remains from Pompeii and Herculaneum, as relevant for:

– the economy: role of the forum, trade, commerce, industries, occupations (ACHAH374)

– the social structure: men, women, freedmen, slaves (ACHAH375)

– local political life: decuriones, magistrates, comitium (ACHAH373)

– everyday life: housing, leisure activities, food and dining, clothing, health, baths, water supply, sanitation (ACHAH377)

religion: household gods, temples, foreign cults and religions, tombs (ACHAH376)

– the influence of Greek and Egyptian cultures: art and architecture (ACHAH378)

Reconstructing and conserving the past

● changing interpretations: impact of new research and technologies (ACHAH381, ACHAH385)

● issues of conservation and reconstruction: Italian and international contributions and responsibilities (ACHAH370)

● ethical issues: excavation and conservation, study and display of human remains (ACHAH370)

● value and impact of tourism: problems and solutions (ACHAH370)