History Hacked

Pompeii Was Destroyed in the 17th Century, Not 79 AD

Historians readily acknowledge that there is a scarcity of information available about the true nature of daily life in the "ancient" Western Roman Empire, as most knowledge of it faded away during the Dark Ages. In fact, historians have openly admitted that the archaeological discoveries made in Pompeii "provide us with more insights into everyday life in first-century Italy than even the city of Rome itself" (source). This is because Pompeii was protected from the same forces of time that obliterated nearly all other traces of the once magnificent and powerful Roman Empire. However, if compelling evidence emerges suggesting that Pompeii was actually buried more than 1,500 years later than what has been conventionally believed, what implications does that have for our understanding of "Ancient" Rome?

Survivor account from the 17th Century of the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius.

Official Story of Pompeii and Its Discovery

To clarify the subject we are debunking, let's review some crucial facts regarding the official but incorrect account of Pompeii's destruction and rediscovery. According to most sources, Pompeii and its surrounding area were buried under several meters of volcanic ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in the year 79 AD. Pompeii remained entombed throughout the decline of the Roman Empire and was subsequently forgotten during the Dark Ages. Even the city's name seemed to vanish from historical records.

Pompeii was officially rediscovered by a Spanish engineer in 1748, and its original name remained unknown until a plaque was found in 1763, which identified the city as Pompeii (source). While historians and scholars consider the aforementioned narrative as the most accurate rendition of events, let's now delve into some peculiar pieces of evidence that suggest we are actually examining a city from the Renaissance era.

Maps from the 1500s

If historians are correct in asserting that Pompeii was buried in 79 AD and its name was forgotten until its rediscovery in 1763, it becomes a highly mysterious phenomenon that maps from the 1500s depict Pompeii as a thriving city, precisely during the period when it should have been consigned to oblivion in historical records.

Is That A Pineapple?

The frescoes unearthed in Pompeii are widely regarded as the best-preserved examples of "Ancient" Roman art dating back 2,000 years. In light of that, it is quite intriguing that the depicted fresco, discovered in a wealthy resident's villa, unmistakably portrays a pineapple.

So, what does this imply?

Well, according to the historical account of the 15th century, the delectable and iconic fruit had not yet made its way to Europe until Christopher Columbus brought it back to Spain in 1493. Were pineapples from the Americas a common feature in "Ancient" Roman life, or was this fresco created after Columbus's time?

Commemorating the Victims of 1631

Those familiar with the narrative of Pompeii's destruction in 79 AD might find the inscription outside the Pharaone Mennella Villa near Naples quite perplexing. This plaque from the 17th century commemorates the victims who perished in the Vesuvius eruption of 1631 AD. Notably, the plaque explicitly mentions the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum as being affected by the eruption. To reiterate, both cities were purportedly unknown to the local residents during the 1600s.

Eyewitness Testimony From 1631

Below, a book from 17th century author, Joannes Baptistae, which is a complelation of firsthand accounts and etchings from survivors of the the 1631 eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

As you can see, the etchings are clearly referring to an eruption in 1631. A more detailed look also reveals the names "Pompeii" and "Herculanum." Both cities, we were told, were lost in 79 AD. How is it possible that they are present in this description of the 1631 eruption?

17th century Artifacts

The nail in the coffin for the 79 AD dating of the destruction of Pompeii comes from the vast amounts of artifacts unearthed from the rubble that clearly can be dated to the late Middle Ages and Renaissance era.

Here, we have a supposedly "ancient" mural from the Boscoreale Villa showing a distinctive terrestrial globe, with approximate perspective, representing knowledge that, we were told, first appeared in the early Renaissance era.

Complex tools were also unearthed from the rubble, such as these medical instruments used for 17th century dentistry and gynecology. The intricate screws, metallurgy and design fit right in with the Renaissance era and not "ancient" antiquity. Historians would often point to these tools as evidence of the high level of technological sophistication possessed by 1st century Romans.