After workmen digging a well found marble and statues at Herculaneum in 1709, and the Bourbon king of Naples began systematic digging there in 1738, excavations started at Pompeii in 1748. Treasure hunters at first removed statues and frescoes for the royal collection. Johann Winckelmann's publications spread the findings across Europe, setting off a fashion for neoclassical design. Under Giuseppe Fiorelli from 1863, digging became more scientific, and he invented the method of pouring plaster into voids left by victims' bodies. About two thirds of the town has been uncovered, a unique picture of Roman everyday life.
Before and after
- 1747Construction of Sanssouci Palace
- from 1747 to 1826Durrani Empire
- 1748Construction of Suomenlinna
- from 1748 to 1767Indian campaign of Ahmad Shah Durrani
- 1748Excavations begin at Pompeii
- 30 August 1748Birth of Jacques-Louis David
- 18 October 1748Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle
- 23 March 1749Birth of Pierre-Simon Laplace
- 17 May 1749Birth of Edward Jenner
More in Civilizations & archaeology
- 6 August 1538Founding of Bogotá
- 12 June 1550Founding of Helsinki
- 11 March 1565Founding of Rio de Janeiro
- from 26 July 1581 to 19 January 1795Dutch Republic
- 1614Founding of Tirana
- 1624Founding of New York City
The era
This moment belongs to the Early modern world (1500 CE to 1760 CE), voyages, printing and new ideas. You can also browse everything in the 18th century.