How sheep help preserve the ruins of Pompeii, Italy
Archaeologists at the archaeological site of Pompeii, Italy, have an unexpected group of helpers to help preserve the local ruins: a flock of 150 sheep.
The ancient Roman city remained forgotten for centuries after being destroyed by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Since exploration began 250 years ago, only twothirds of the area of the archaeological site has been explored by specialists.
Therefore, protecting the still unknown parts of the ancient city from the erosion of nature and time is a priority for those in charge of the site.
“When grass and other plants grow in or on walls and old houses, that’s a problem. That’s why we try to be sustainable with the entire environment,” said Gabriel Breeding, Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii.
A natural and cheap alternative to preserving the area, the sheep live in Regio V, the northern part of the city made up of unexplored hills and ruins. The site is inaccessible to the thousands of people who visit the archaeological site every year.
Breeding bars said tourists generally respond positively to the animals, but some are concerned. “We tried to explain that this is really a sustainable project and that it is helping the ruins instead of threatening them,” he said.
Relying on sheep to control plant growth can also be a bit nostalgic.
“You really get an idea of what Pompeii was like at the time it was rediscovered,” said breeding bar. “[Por aqui existiam] Forests, vineyards, sheep, it was such a rural setting. And right in the middle was Pompeii.”