'From this area to go...' An analysis into ancient wayfinding in Roman Pompeii between 89 BC and 79 AD.

Abstract

The systematic assignment and use of official street names and house numbers is a modern phenomenon, which was only developed since the eighteenth century. Before the creation of street addresses people had to rely on other means to find and navigate to their destination. This research will attempt to analyse the possibilities of ancient wayfinding by focussing on Roman Pompeii between 89 BC and AD 79. Through a combination of literary, archaeological and epigraphical evidence different ancient wayfinding strategies will be discussed and the suitability of the urban environment of ancient Pompeii will be analysed for its facilitating wayfinding aids for strangers.