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Pompeii

The Life of a Roman Town
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( 4,747 ratings, 530 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Pompeii by Professor Mary Beard explores the historical and cultural aspects of the ancient city of Pompeii, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. The book provides an engaging look into the daily lives, public and private spaces, and social dynamics of the Pompeians, based on archaeological findings and scholarly research.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy richly detailed historical accounts that bring ancient societies to life. Professor Mary Beard provides an engaging, thorough exploration of the daily life, culture, and tragic events of Pompeii, making it perfect for history enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the extraordinary preservation of this ancient city.

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Pompeii

Mary Beard uses the relics buried by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius on AD79 to bring everyday Roman culture alive.

'The world's most controversial classicist debunks our movie-style myths about the Roman town with meticulous scholarship and propulsive energy ... scrutinising and animated in equal measure' Laura Silverman, Daily Mail

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Pompeii by Professor Mary Beard offers a fascinating exploration into the life and catastrophic death of an ancient Roman town. Drawing on a wealth of archaeological evidence and classical sources, Beard breathes new life into the ruins, revealing the day-to-day experiences of its residents, the vibrancy of its streets, and the mechanisms of its sudden obliteration. In this groundbreaking work, Beard dismantles several enduring myths about Pompeii. She scrutinises the assumed date of Mount Vesuvius's eruption, suggesting it occurred later than commonly believed. She questions the hygiene standards of the famed public baths, proposing they were likely breeding grounds for germs. She also refutes the exaggerations about the number of brothels, positing there was probably only one, and revises the death toll estimate, which is likely under ten per cent of the population. Through carefully structured chapters such as "Street Life," "Earning a Living: Baker, Banker, and Garum Maker," and "The Pleasure of the Body: Food, Wine, Sex, and Baths," Beard provides an unparalleled window into the workings of a Roman town. From the community-driven atmosphere of the Suburban Baths to the various vendors along the bustling Via dell' Abbondanza, each chapter delves into distinct facets of daily life in Pompeii. One illuminating section explores the Suburban Baths, transitioning from communal bathing practices to hygiene concerns and even the presence of erotica. Another examines a fast-food joint, offering insights into the dietary habits, street food culture, and social dynamics of the Pompeians. These insights collectively form an extraordinary and engaging portrait of an ancient town, its vibrant life, and ongoing rediscovery. As Britain’s leading classicist, Professor Mary Beard utilises her deep knowledge of Roman culture to challenge our preconceptions and invite readers on a compelling journey through time. With her articulate and vivid storytelling, Beard ensures that while the city of Pompeii may have been buried for centuries, its stories remain alive and richly detailed for modern audiences.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Pompeii by Professor Mary Beard has been highly praised for its engaging and accessible writing about the ancient city. Reviewers have lauded Beard for bringing Pompeii to life with her meticulous research and human touch. They highlight her ability to debunk myths and provide a vivid, compelling reconstruction of the city's last days. The book is described as both absorbing and readable, offering an excellent blend of scholarly insight and evocative storytelling.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781846684715

Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 November 2010

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Profile Books Ltd

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 144.0mm

Height: 206.0mm

Weight: 320g

Pages: 368

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About the Author

Mary Beard is a professor of classics at Newnham College, Cambridge, and the classics editor of the TLS. Her books include the acclaimed The Roman Triumph and The Parthenon (in the Wonders of the World series of which she is general editor).

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