Hot ashes, lava and stones poured into Pompeii. The eruption caught Pompeians by surprise: "They heard the crash of falling roofs: an instant more and the mountain-cloud seemed to roll towards them, dark and rapid, like a torrent; at the same time, it cast forth from its bosom a showe of ashes mixed with vast fragments of burning stone! ... The decoration of the tablinum has a band along the base of the wall (a dado), which is mounted by painted and stuccoed imitations of large stone blocks (orthostates). ...

• Word Count: 7468
• Approx Pages: 30
• Grade Level: High School

ART HISTORY ESSAY In a history that has extended over a thousand years, Roman architecture has proven to be "eternal". Combined with intense ambiguities and innovative designs, Roman architecture made use of basic structural elements, such as the arch and vault, to provide greater advantages t...

• Word Count: 1894
• Approx Pages: 8

Gladiatorial contests hold a central place in our perception of Roman behavior. They were also a big influence on how Romans themselves ordered their lives. Attending the games was one of the practices that went with being a Roman. The Etruscans who introduced this type of contest in the sixth cent...

• Word Count: 3227
• Approx Pages: 13
• Grade Level: High School