Ancient Roman Town Paper

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ANCIENT RESORT TOWNS OF BATH, TIBERIUS, AND POMPEII

Elizabeth A. Baker

Tourism E280

November 22, 2009



Elizabeth A. Baker

Tourism E280

11/22/09

ANCIENT RESORT TOWNS OF BATH, TIBERIUS, AND POMPEII

Ancient Rome is that time in history when the Roman Empire thrived. At its height,

the empire was comprised of Europe, the Middle East, and parts of northern Africa. The

Romans were known for their army, government, and architecture. This empire existed

between 100 B.C. and 500 A.D. Many people speak of the "rise and fall" of the Roman

Empire, others examine how the civilization has transformed over the course of time. I

will describe the history of the ancient towns of Bath, Tiberius, and Pompeii, relate how

these towns are major attractions for tourists today, as well as report the current impact of

tourism on these towns.

At its height, the empire covered over 2.5 million square miles. Founded on strict

organization and centralized control, the empire was connected by a network of roads with

the city of Rome in the center. Thousands of well-trained soldiers defended and expanded

the empire, and a well-organized civil service system ruled the people. Roman history

contains famous figures including Augustus, Julius Caesar, Nero, and Caligula. The first

major travel purpose for Roman people were to visit friends and relatives. The Romans

had many festivals and rituals for events such a childbirth, marriage, and funerals. Other

reasons to visit these towns included good food, hot spring baths, and all kinds of

entertainment, like the chariot races or watching gladiatorial combat.

The town of Bath was where Roman generals as well as monarchs have all gathered

to enjoy a relaxing dip in the citys hot springs, which bubble up from deep underground at



a steady 46 degrees Celsius. People believe that these springs can cure all kinds of

ailments, from the flu to hair loss. The baths of Bath are a must-see item on everyones

itinerary. July and August are the height of the tourist season. The crown jewel of these

unique ancient baths is called The Great Bath. It is a 1.6 meter deep hot pool, encircled by

pillars that, at one time, supported an enclosed roof. Off to the sides are paths that lead to

the East and West Baths. In the 12th century, The Kings Bath was built around the

original sacred spring. 1.5 million liters of hot water still pour into this attraction every

day. Unfortunately, one cannot take a dunk in the baths of Roman times anymore.

For a modern-day dip, one must travel to the sparkling new Thermae Bath Spa and

sample its curative water. Built of Georgian stone, plate glass, and stainless steel, this spa is

definitely not ancient, but is as modern in architecture as it gets. A tourist today may

choose to take a dip in one of their heated pools, enjoy the steam room, or even drench

themselves in the waterfall shower. It has an open-air rooftop pool where you can view the

entire city. Another current attraction derived from the ancients is a small museum that

displays Baths archaeological finds, like votive coins once thrown in the spring, as well as

stone fragments from the lost Roman temple.

Baths annual calendar is packed with many festivals and events to attract every

kind of tourist. In March, one can attend Baths Literary Festival; from May to June one can

enjoy Baths International Music Festival as well as Baths Fringe Festival. If traveling there

during the times of July to August, attendance at the Guitar Festival is a must; the Jane

Austen Festival and the Bath Film Festival are held in September; and in October one can

enjoy the Mozartfest.



But even this beautiful city is feeling the effects of a downturn in this economy. This

year, room revenue is down 6%, but the occupancy rate is still holding strong at 66%. The

reason for this is thought to be that the British are taking short breaks or holidays in or

around the town of Bath rather than seeking accommodations abroad.

The town of Tiberias is located in the Lower Galilee, on the western coast of Lake

Kinneret. Tiberias was founded around 20 B.C. by Herod Antipas and was named after the

Roman Emperor Tiberius. Tiberias also owes its tourism origins to a slew of hot springs

that enticed pleasure-seekers of Roman times. In Herods time, Tiberias included a

stadium, a gold-roofed palace, and a great synagogue. This town became the center of

Jewish life in Israel. Work of sages took place beside the shores of Galilee, and academies of

rabbis were founded. Around the year 200 A.D., Tiberias became one of the countrys

holiest Jewish cities; and the population at this time was estimated to be about 40,000,

making the city larger than it is even today. In the early 16th century, the Ottoman Turks

won possession of the Holy Land, and the rights to the town were traded around. A great

part of the town was demolished because of an earthquake in 1837. Many Jews in the 19th

century chose to settle in Tiberias and more followed with the expansion of the Zionist

movement, making the town predominantly Jewish once more.

Today, there are many things to keep the attention of the modern-day tourist.

Israels spa infatuation has a 2,000 year old history, beginning with the hot springs of

Hammat Tiberias when they were the focus of the communitys devout bathers of Roman

times. The Hammat Tiberias National Park is a major attraction that has a museum, a

synagogue, and even a Turkish bathhouse to intrigue every tourist. The traditions of



rejuvenation and relaxation at Hammat Tiberias are maintained at Tiberias Hot Springs. It

contains both a health center for people with serious skin conditions and a modern resort

center off of the shore of Lake Galilee. Also, as the home of the Jewish Supreme Court,

during the 2nd & 3rd centuries A.D., Tiberias is one of the most important cities in Judaism.

Many of its tourists are dedicated Jews visiting to pay their respects to the number of great

scholars that are buried in tombs in the area. Another unique attraction is The Church &

Monastery of the Apostles. This Greek Orthodox complex located by the waters edge is on

the site of a Byzantine monastery that was destroyed by the Persians in the 7th century.

The complex has been rebuilt and destroyed multiple times since, and the building

standing today was last restored in 1975. Held over 2 days during the months of May and

December, Jacobs ladder Festival has been running for more than 30 years. The festival

features everything from bluegrass to Irish jigs.

The major downfalls for tourists to this town are its beaches. Pollution, lack of

water, and illegal privatization irritate both the locals and tourists alike. Tiberias remains a

tourist town whose main source of income and employment is the hotel industry. The

security situation in recent years has led to a sharp drop in tourism which has had an

impact on the socioeconomic situation of Tiberias.

Buried for 2,000 years beneath tons of volcanic debris, Naples archaeological sites

are the best preserved and hands-down the most spectacular of Roman ruins in existence.

Centuries ago, farmland and forests covered Mt. Vesuvius lower slopes with its 2 main

towns: Herculaneum, a small fishing town, and Pompeii, the important trading center;

destinations where aristocrats of the time would vacation. On August 24th, 79 A.D.,



Vesuvius erupted. Historian Tacitus recorded, A black and terrible cloud, rent by snaking

bursts of fire, gaped open in huge flashes of flames; it was like lightening, but far more

extensive. To most peoples surprise, it was not the scorching lava or rain of pumice that

killed the people of Pompeii; it was the blast of gaseous air off of the volcano that killed

everyone. Even though it was rediscovered in the 16th century while excavators were

building a canal, Pompeii would remain idle until the 18th century. The Bourbon king

Charles VII had a palace built in Portici and aristocrats followed, constructing over 120

villas to form the Ville of Vesuviane. The king had his followers strip Pompeii of its finest

statues, murals, and mosaics. Luckily all these artifacts were moved to Naples and are

currently housed in the Museo Archeaologico Nazionale. Pompeii is an auspicious tourist

attraction as it showcases the ancient times exactly as it was thousands of years ago. As

heinous as the eruption was, it could have been worse. An earthquake rocked Pompeii just

17 years earlier and many of the population 20,000 evacuated and had yet to return.

Pompeii remains Italys top tourist attraction. Although horrific, the draw is

undeniable. With more than 2,000 people frozen in time, one can gain insight of how the

world was those many years ago. Each year about 2.5 million visitors travel to the town to

wander through the ghostly ruins. The fishing town of Herculaneum is slightly better

preserved than Pompeii with 16 meters of mud fossilizing everything from fruit and scrolls

to furniture and art. Since the petrifying event in 79 A.D., Vesuvius has erupted more than

30 times, making it as dangerous today as it was years ago, with its most recent eruption

occurring in 1944. Even though this fact is known, over 3 million people today live in this

volcanos shadow. Established in 1995, The Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio attracts over



600,000 visitors every year. Halfway to the summit one can visit the Museo

dellOsservatorio Vesuviano that tells of Mt. Vesuvius 2,000 year old history.

Even though Pompeii is widely popular, it also faces many tourism related

problems, such as being exposed to 22,000 tourists on certain days, it is unprotected to the

weathering elements of nature, has a clear lack of management, corruption is prevalent,

and has a lack of funding. Attendance has fallen by 12.4% compared to last year, but

Pompeii remains to be Italys top tourist attraction.

The ancient towns of Bath, Tiberias, and Pompeii have attracted a considerable

amount of tourists over the years. I have relayed the rich history of these cities, illustrated

how these towns attract the large number of tourists, and have described the current

impact of tourism on these towns today. After learning about these towns, I hope to join

the masses and enjoy a tour myself soon.



REFERENCES

"Clouds over the Mediterranean; Tourism atrophies in Europe.(recession affects tourismindustry of Europe)." The Economist [US] 15 Aug. 2009: 47EU. General OneFile. Web. 21 Nov.

2009. http://find.galegroup.com/gtx/start.do?prodId=ITOF&userGroupName=usclibs

O'Donovan, Leo J. "Unburied treasures: 'Pompeii and the Roman Villa'." America 9 Mar.

2009: 20+. General OneFile. Web. 21 Nov. 2009.http://find.galegroup.com/gtx/start.do?prodId=ITOF&userGroupName=usclibs

Holy Land Studies: A Multidisciplinary Journal (Edinburgh University Press); May2008, Vol. 7 Issue 1, page 45-80, 36p, 6 charts

Tourists Overnight Down 17% in July. 300,000 Isrealis expected to go abroadduring holiday season. The Jerusalem Post, August 26, 2009 Wednesday, ECONOMICS; pg.

17, 586 words, SHARON WROBEL

Think out of the booth The Jerusalem Post, October 1, 2009 Thursday, FEATURES;

pg. 6, 1387 words, HELEN KAYE

Tower tour marks anniversary Bath Chronicle, July 30, 2009, pg. 30, 181 words

Bath music Festival: Birtwhistle weekend Bath Chronicle, May 28, 2009, pg.42, 657

words

Bath time for tourists in the UK Gold Coast Sun (Australia), December 19, 2007WEDNESDAY, 467 words, by MURRAY HUBBARD

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Ancient Roman Town Paper