Pre-Dawn Tensions and Rising Heat

In the early hours before dawn, Marcus Attilius, a young Roman engineer, leads a group of laborers up the hills overlooking the Bay of Naples. Despite their grumbling, Attilius is determined to investigate a potential problem with the Aqua Augusta, a crucial aqueduct supplying water to several towns, including Pompeii. The oppressive heat and the engineer's resolve set the stage for the unfolding crisis, as the water supply dwindles and tensions rise.

A Fool's Errand in the Hills

Attilius and his men search for a spring that might explain the aqueduct's dwindling water supply. Despite the laborers' skepticism and the overseer Corax's mockery, Attilius is convinced of the spring's existence. However, after hours of digging, they find nothing substantial, leaving Attilius frustrated and humiliated. This failure underscores the challenges he faces in his quest to restore the water supply.

The Eel Pond Execution

At the Villa Hortensia, Numerius Popidius Ampliatus, a wealthy former slave, prepares to execute a slave by feeding him to eels. The slave's crime is the accidental poisoning of valuable fish, and his desperate cries for the aquarius, or water engineer, go unheard. This brutal act underscores the power dynamics and cruelty within Roman society, highlighting the harsh realities of life in Pompeii.

A Desperate Plea for Help

Corelia, Ampliatus's daughter, rushes to find Attilius, hoping he can save the condemned slave. Despite the engineer's initial reluctance, he is moved by Corelia's plea and the slave's cries. Attilius arrives too late to prevent the execution but discovers a potential issue with the aqueduct's water, hinting at a larger problem. This encounter sets the stage for Attilius's deeper involvement in the unfolding crisis.

The Engineer's Dilemma

Attilius returns to Misenum, grappling with the aqueduct's failure and the political complexities of his role. He must navigate the tensions between the towns relying on the Aqua Augusta and powerful figures like Ampliatus. The engineer's resolve is tested as he plans to repair the aqueduct, knowing the stakes are high. His determination to solve the crisis becomes a central theme of the narrative.

A City of Secrets and Power

In Pompeii, Attilius encounters the city's political elite, including Ampliatus, who wields significant influence. The engineer learns of the city's reliance on the aqueduct and the potential for corruption. As he seeks resources for repairs, Attilius uncovers the intricate web of power and secrets that define Pompeii. This chapter highlights the social and political challenges he must overcome.

A Race Against Time

With the aqueduct's failure threatening the region, Attilius organizes a team to locate and fix the break. He faces resistance from local authorities and the challenge of coordinating a complex operation. As the sun sets, the urgency of the task looms large, and Attilius must act swiftly to prevent disaster. This chapter underscores the tension and urgency driving the narrative forward.

Pliny's Command and Rising Tensions

As the water crisis deepens, Pliny, the admiral, takes decisive action by imposing a curfew in Misenum, reflecting the growing tension and urgency. Despite his sister Julia's concerns, Pliny is determined to inspect the situation himself, highlighting his commitment to duty. The narrative captures the escalating anxiety as the water supply dwindles, setting the stage for the impending disaster.

Corelia's Defiance and Escape

Trapped in her father's oppressive household, Corelia feigns illness to avoid attending a public spectacle. Her father, Ampliatus, is a ruthless figure, and Corelia's defiance is a desperate act of rebellion. She eventually escapes on horseback, symbolizing her yearning for freedom and foreshadowing her crucial role in the unfolding events. Her actions highlight the theme of personal agency and resistance.

Attilius's Desperate Journey to Vesuvius

Driven by a sense of duty and curiosity, Attilius embarks on a perilous journey to Vesuvius to uncover the source of the aqueduct's failure. His trek through the ash-covered landscape is fraught with danger, reflecting his determination and the looming threat of the volcano. This journey underscores the novel's themes of human resilience and the power of nature.

The Eruption's Devastating Impact

The eruption of Vesuvius is a cataclysmic event, unleashing destruction across the region. The narrative vividly depicts the chaos and terror as people flee for their lives. The eruption serves as a powerful reminder of nature's uncontrollable force, reshaping the landscape and the lives of those who survive. This chapter highlights the fragility of human civilization in the face of nature's wrath.

Survival Against Nature's Fury

In a final act of defiance against the volcano, Attilius and Corelia find refuge in the aqueduct, using their knowledge and resourcefulness to survive. Their escape symbolizes hope and resilience, offering a glimmer of light amid the darkness. The chapter concludes with the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds, emphasizing the novel's themes of survival and resilience.

Characters

Marcus Attilius

Attilius is the newly appointed aquarius of the Aqua Augusta, responsible for maintaining the aqueduct. He is young, dedicated, and driven by a sense of duty to solve the water crisis. His leadership is tested by the skepticism of his men and the political machinations of Pompeii's elite. Attilius's character embodies the themes of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Numerius Popidius Ampliatus

Ampliatus is a wealthy and influential figure in Pompeii, known for his brutal methods and ambition. He embodies the social mobility and corruption of Roman society, using his power to manipulate others, including his daughter Corelia, for personal gain. Ampliatus's character serves as a critique of the corrupting influence of power and ambition.

Corelia Ampliata

Corelia is Ampliatus's daughter, caught in her father's schemes. Despite her privileged position, she is empathetic and seeks to help those in need, like the condemned slave. Her interactions with Attilius reveal her inner conflict and desire for a different life. Corelia's character development reflects the novel's exploration of personal agency and resistance against oppressive forces.

Corax

Corax is the overseer of the laborers working under Attilius. He is skeptical of the young engineer's abilities and often undermines his authority. Corax represents the resistance Attilius faces from those who doubt his leadership. His character highlights the challenges of leadership and the importance of perseverance.

Tiro

Tiro is a young, blind slave responsible for monitoring the water flow in Pompeii. Despite his disability, he possesses acute senses and a deep understanding of the aqueduct's workings. Tiro's insights prove valuable to Attilius in navigating the city's challenges. His character underscores the theme of resilience and the value of knowledge.

Lucius Popidius Secundus

Popidius is one of Pompeii's magistrates, responsible for the city's water supply. He is more concerned with maintaining his power and wealth than addressing the aqueduct's crisis, highlighting the political obstacles Attilius must overcome. His character exemplifies the self-serving nature of political figures in the novel.

Gaius Plinius Secundus (Pliny)

Pliny is the admiral of the Roman fleet, known for his scholarly pursuits and dedication to duty. His leadership during the crisis is marked by bravery and a commitment to saving lives, even at great personal risk. Pliny's character embodies the themes of heroism and the pursuit of knowledge.

Torquatus

Torquatus is the captain of the Minerva, tasked with navigating the fleet during the eruption. His practical approach and loyalty to Pliny highlight the importance of teamwork and leadership in times of crisis. Torquatus's character underscores the novel's themes of duty and camaraderie.

Plot Devices

The Aqua Augusta

The Aqua Augusta is a massive aqueduct supplying water to multiple towns, including Pompeii. Its failure sets the narrative in motion, highlighting the dependence of Roman society on engineering marvels and the potential for disaster when they falter. The aqueduct symbolizes the achievements and vulnerabilities of civilization, central to the novel's themes of human ingenuity and the limits of control.

The Eruption of Vesuvius

The eruption of Vesuvius is the central plot device, driving the narrative and shaping the characters' actions. It serves as a powerful symbol of nature's unpredictability and the fragility of human civilization. The eruption's impact on the region and its people underscores the novel's exploration of survival and resilience.

Social Hierarchy and Power

The novel explores the dynamics of power and social mobility in Roman society, exemplified by characters like Ampliatus. The interplay of wealth, influence, and corruption shapes the characters' actions and the unfolding crisis. This theme highlights the moral choices individuals face in times of crisis.

Heroism and Sacrifice

The novel explores themes of heroism and sacrifice through characters like Pliny and Attilius, who risk their lives to save others. These acts of bravery contrast with the self-serving actions of characters like Ampliatus, emphasizing the moral choices individuals face in times of crisis. The theme of heroism underscores the novel's exploration of human resilience and the power of determination.

Analysis

"Pompeii" by Robert Harris is a gripping narrative that intertwines historical events with fictional drama, exploring themes of resilience, power, and the fragility of human civilization. Through the lens of the Aqua Augusta's failure and the eruption of Vesuvius, the novel examines the interplay between human ingenuity and nature's uncontrollable force. Characters like Attilius and Pliny embody the themes of heroism and determination, while figures like Ampliatus highlight the corrupting influence of power. The novel serves as a powerful reminder of the moral choices individuals face in times of crisis and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. Harris's vivid depiction of ancient Rome and the catastrophic events that befell Pompeii offers readers a compelling exploration of survival, sacrifice, and the limits of control.

Last updated: February 26, 2025