ConfChem Conference on Case-Based Studies in Chemical Education: Chemistry of Pompeii and Herculaneum—A Case Study Course in Chemistry at the Interface of Ancient Technology and Archeological Conservation

Abstract

The ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were frozen in time during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius on August 24, 79 CE. Preserved underground for nearly two thousand years, they provide a wealth of information about the history, technology, and culture of the Roman people, as well as a unique opportunity for chemical educators to teach chemistry through real-world examples that connect chemistry to ancient art, history, and technology. This course was developed as an elective for nonscience majors, to satisfy three science or liberal arts credits. The course is organized as a guided virtual tour of the ancient cities involving stops at specific sites or buildings where chemical concepts can be introduced. These sites, which can be located on maps of the cities, involve outdoor bronze sculptures; pigment and glass factories; houses with faded or unfinished wall paintings; dyeing and laundry shops; oil, perfume, and soap businesses; and reconstructed dye gardens. In this communication we discuss briefly the course content and classroom management and present some examples of the case studies developed.