Britannica Sources used in this answer

How did Greek influence reach the early settlement of Pompeii?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ruins of ancient Pompeii with stone columns and walls in the foreground, and Mount Vesuvius rising in the background under a partly cloudy sky. — Pompeii Mount Vesuvius rising up over the ruins of the ancient Roman city Pompeii.

The early settlement of Pompeii, originally an Oscan village, began to experience Greek influence due to the proximity of Greeks who had established colonies across the bay in the 8th century BCE.1

This cultural influence was not constant, as it faced challenges from the Etruscans during the 7th century BCE. However, following the destruction of Etruscan sea power by King Hieron I of Syracuse in 474 BCE, the region entered a second period of Greek hegemony.1

In later centuries, particularly between 200 and 80 BCE, Pompeii experienced further Hellenistic influence through increased trade and cultural exchange. This period saw the introduction of Hellenistic architectural refinements and artistic styles, such as the elaborate floor mosaics and the Alexander the Great mosaic found in the House of the Faun. Additionally, the city’s religious landscape reflected this connection, as evidenced by the early construction of the Temple of Apollo.2