The ruins of Pompeii, known for their historical significance as the remains of an ancient Roman city destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, faced yet another disaster in the 20th century. During World War II, between August and September 1943, the archaeological site became an unintended target of the Allied bombing campaign aimed at dislodging German troops from southern Italy. This destructive event remains one of the most tragic episodes in the modern history of Pompeii.
The Context of the Bombings
By the summer of 1943, the Italian campaign was in full swing, and Allied forces had already landed in Sicily and were pushing into mainland Italy. German forces had taken up strategic positions in the region, including areas surrounding Pompeii, and Allied military planners believed the site was being used as a hiding place for German troops and ammunition.
American B-25 Mitchell Bombers Flying Past Vesuvius, March 17–21, 1944, Unknown photographer. Gelatin silver print, 4 7/16 x 5 13/16 in (11.3 x 14.7 cm). Archive of Raymond D. Yusi, Army Corps of Engineers
As Allied forces moved toward Salerno in their operation to capture Naples, they began bombing targets in and around Pompeii to disrupt German supply lines and communications. Unfortunately, the mistaken belief that the ruins were being used for military purposes led to several air raids on the site. These raids took place between August 24 and September 26, 1943, dropping over 160 bombs across the area.
Impact on the Archaeological Site
The damage to Pompeii was extensive, with no part of the excavation area entirely spared. Key regions such as Regio VII, Regio III, and Regio VI suffered severe bomb damage. Notable structures such as the House of the Faun, the House of Venus in the Shell, and the Large Theater were hit. Even the famed Antiquarium, which housed numerous artifacts from Pompeii, was nearly destroyed by two direct hits, causing the loss of countless irreplaceable objects.
The Forum, Via delle Terme, and Via Marina were all badly affected, with bombs shattering ancient walls and frescoes. The House of Romulus and Remus, another significant part of Pompeii’s heritage, was also severely damaged. Much of the destruction was concentrated in areas where it was believed German military equipment might be hidden, though these claims were later found to be largely unfounded.
The Efforts to Protect Pompeii
Amedeo Maiuri, the superintendent of Pompeii at the time, had foreseen the threat that the war posed to the site. In an effort to protect some of the most valuable artifacts, statues and other objects were buried underground or stored in more secure locations. Nevertheless, many treasures could not be saved, and Maiuri himself was injured by bomb shrapnel during the raids.
Maiuri's reports after the war detailed the devastating impact of the bombings. Over 150 bombs had fallen within the excavation site, with over 100 ancient buildings damaged. He compiled an inventory of nearly 1,400 lost or damaged artifacts, including fragile glass, terracotta, and bronze items.
He chronicled the destruction, writing:
It was thus that from 13 to 26 September Pompeii suffered its second and more serious ordeal, battered by one or more daily attacks: during the day flying low without fear of anti-aircraft retaliation; at night with all the smoke and brightness of flares […]. During those days no fewer than 150 bombs fell within the excavation area, scattered across the site and concentrated where military targets were thought to be.
The Aftermath of the Bombing
The bombing of Pompeii during World War II serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of cultural heritage sites in times of war. While the immediate goal of the bombings was military in nature, the long-term consequences were felt most acutely in the realm of cultural preservation. Efforts to repair the damage began almost immediately after the conflict, though the process of restoration continued for many years.
In the years following the war, international attention on the protection of cultural heritage in conflict zones increased significantly, partly due to tragedies like the bombing of Pompeii. This awareness helped to shape modern policies and practices concerning the safeguarding of cultural and historical sites during armed conflicts, emphasizing the need for clearer guidelines and better protection.
Today, the scars of the war are still visible in some parts of Pompeii, serving as a testament to the resilience of the site and the ongoing challenges of preserving the world’s cultural treasures in times of strife.
The bombing of Pompeii during World War II was an unfortunate and largely avoidable tragedy. It underscored the difficulties of protecting cultural heritage in war and left a lasting mark on the archaeological site. Despite the extensive damage, ongoing restoration efforts have allowed the site to continue to be a symbol of ancient life and a reminder of the destructive potential of war on our shared human history.
