The Rebirth of Ancient Gardens in Pompeii

The historical gardens of Pompeii have recently been revitalized, breathing new life into this famous Roman site. In June, the Pompeii Archaeological Park shared news of the reconstruction of Hercules’ garden via a Facebook update.

This new garden boasts an impressive collection: 800 antique roses, 1,200 violets, and 1,000 Lascus plants, also referred to as Butcher Bloom. Additionally, cherry trees, grapes, and pine trees have been planted around the area thought to be Hercules’ home.

The name Hercules draws from a marble statue discovered at a shrine known as Lalarium. The Archaeological Park mentioned that this reconstruction reflects a “house of rows,” identifiable by an inscription at its entrance that reads, “Tomorrow, we will give credit.” This area, also called the House of the Fulmer, originated in the 3rd century BC, roughly 300 years prior to the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Interestingly, this house wasn’t only affected by the eruption; it sustained damage during a significant earthquake in 62 AD. Residents of Pompeii took drastic measures during that earthquake, opting to demolish nearby townhouses—known as Domus—and cultivate gardens in their place.

The garden was intended for cultivating and selling flowers, hence its nickname as the “perfume garden.” Historians speculate that the flowers were used in perfume production, enhancing its aromatic charm. The original structure comprised eight rooms along with a vegetable garden—production was ongoing right up until Vesuvius erupted.

After the eruption, the site remained buried for nearly 1,900 years until it was excavated during the 20th century. The dig revealed various ancient Roman artifacts, including tiny glass bottles once used for perfumes.

Archaeological findings indicated that the property underwent significant renovations before its destruction, including unused construction materials found in some of the garden rooms. From around the mid-1st century BC, the area began transitioning into a specialized production district.

The discovery of Pompeii’s ruins has captivated archaeologists since their uncovering in the late 16th century, and new insights about the site continue to emerge. For instance, in April, Pompeii Archaeological Park unveiled more about the struggles of ancient families surviving in that era, thanks to ongoing excavations.