Final answer:
Pompeii and Herculaneum were centers of diverse economic activities such as wine production, oil manufacturing, garum production, pottery, metalwork, textiles, and arts like fresco and mosaic making. Workshops and art were integral parts of their economies, with evidence of cultural influences seen in items related to the worship of Egyptian deities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were thriving commercial centers before their destruction in 79 CE by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. In Pompeii, a variety of industries were present, such as wine production, oil manufacturing, and garum (a fermented fish sauce) production, which were important for both local consumption and export. Craftsmanship in areas such as pottery, metalwork, and textiles was also prominent. Numerous workshops, known as tabernae, lined the streets, supplying goods and services to the city's inhabitants and visitors.
Both cities were also hubs for art and culture. In Pompeii, the remains of frescoes and mosaics indicate a flourishing industry of artists and decorators. Herculaneum, likewise, boasts preserved wooden screens and furniture, indicating carpentry and fine woodworking as part of their vibrant economic life. These artifacts have been well-preserved due to the lack of air and moisture under the volcanic material, providing valuable insights into the economic structure of these Roman cities.
The discovery of statuettes and ritual implements points towards a religious aspect of industry, with artifacts linked to the worship of Egyptian deities, highlighting a cultural exchange and influence within their economic practices. Overall, Pompeii and Herculaneum were centers of diverse economic activities, reflecting the complexity of urban life in the ancient Roman world.