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Destroyed by Vesuvius in 79 CE, the ruins of Pompeii offer the best evidence we have of life in the Roman Empire. But the eruptions are only part of the story. In The Fires of Vesuvius, acclaimed historian Mary Beard makes sense of the remains. She explores what kind of town it was -- more like Calcutta or the Costa del Sol? -- and what it can tell us about "ordinary" life there. --from publisher description
Reviews with the most likes.
Finally! A book that brings Pompeii to life! Not just those who were caught and entombed by the lava as so many documentaries have done. This author, tho she doesn't seem to have been one of those who did the direct work of unearthing and restoration, has definitely done her research of what Pompeii was like well before the life-changing explosion.
The author covers topics like games, businesses, politics and governance. It's amazing how much writing has been uncovered over the centuries and what folks can surmise from the depth of a rut.