HSC Ancient History Practice Questions

The volcanic landscape supported both agriculture and industry. Weathered volcanic soils on the Campanian plain were highly fertile, encouraging vineyards, olives, orchards and market gardening. Wine amphorae, presses and villas in the surrounding countryside show that the towns were connected to an agricultural economy, while hard volcanic stone was used for paving and millstones. The coastal and river setting also connected the cities to movement and trade. Pompeii's position near the Sarno mouth and roads to Nuceria, Nola and Stabiae linked inland producers to the Bay of Naples; Herculaneum's ancient shoreline and boat houses show direct maritime access. Nearby ports including Puteoli connected Campania with wider Mediterranean exchange. Geography therefore shaped both the goods produced and the routes by which people and products circulated.