Final answer:
Life in ancient Pompeii revolved around the city's cultural and entertainment offerings, with a distinct social structure separating the wealthy elite from the majority. Evidence shows that some residents were able to leave before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, but later returned to dig through the remains. The excavations have provided valuable insights into daily life during the Pax Romana, showcasing cultural diversity and interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
Life in ancient Pompeii was centered around the bustling city with its fora, temples, theaters, baths, and other forms of culture and entertainment. The social structure was divided between the wealthy elites who lived in elegant urban palaces and country villas and the majority of the population who resided in crowded apartment buildings.
Archaeological evidence suggests that people were able to leave the city before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Some houses show signs of being packed up, and valuable objects are either buried or hidden. After the eruption, people returned to dig through the remains, either recovering lost goods or looking for valuables.
The excavations of Pompeii have provided a wealth of artifacts and insights into daily life during the Pax Romana. Artwork with Egyptian subjects, frescoes depicting Roman wall paintings, and evidence of worship of Egyptian deities all demonstrate the cultural diversity and interests of the residents.