While Pompeii was settled in the 6th century BC, Herculaneum was a much smaller settlement that was only occupied by the 4th century BC (Cooley 7). Since the city was so close to Greek settlements around the bay, it was largely influenced by Hellenistic culture, and even spoke Oscan as the primary language (Jashemski). Pompeii was an independent settlement until the 3rd century BC, when they formed an alliance with Rome (Cooley 7). After the alliance was formed, the culture of Pompeii gradually morphs into a more Hellenistic
While Pompeii was settled in the 6th century BC, Herculaneum was a much smaller settlement that was only occupied by the 4th century BC (Cooley 7). Since the city was so close to Greek settlements around the bay, it was largely influenced by Hellenistic culture, and even spoke Oscan as the primary language (Jashemski). Pompeii was an independent settlement until the 3rd century BC, when they formed an alliance with Rome (Cooley 7). After the alliance was formed, the culture of Pompeii gradually morphs into a more Hellenistic