Pompeii: Exploring a Roman Ghost Town

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D.79 buried the Roman town of Pompeii under a thick layer of ash and stone. The hardened ash and lava obliterated all traces of Pompeii's existence, but also preserved the streets, marketplaces, public buildings, private homes, furnishings, artwork and graffiti that later revealed the city as a thriving commercial and agricultural center. Fifteen hundred years later, this prosperous ancient city was uncovered, piece by piece; this book skillfully recounts the drama and excitement of its discovery and subsequent exploration. The authors use the findings of archeologists to describe life as it existed in the Roman empire, yet their prose is never dry or overly technical. The many strong photographs add to the sense of wonder that the book creates, clearly illustrating the astonishingly well-preserved streets and buildings of Pompeii. The words and picturestogether tell a truly incredible story.(10-14)