This was so interesting! It contains lots of fascinating little details, and I learned a lot about just how Roman (or not) the Pompeians were. The book makes me simultaneously want to visit Pompeii and not visit Pompeii. It sounds like such a fascinating place, but now I don't really want to visit as part of a large group and get stuck with a questionable guide. Overall though, some day I hope I make it for a visit.

This book was a lot of fun to read, and the author glossed over some of the less pleasant aspects of ancient Roman culture (although by no means all of them). I have just recently read another history of Pompeii (Pompeii the Living City) which talked about the cruel treatment of agricultural slaves, and other things that Mary Beard doesn't mention. Her book was more fun to read though. Reading the book made me want to visit the city.

I was randomly scrolling through YouTube and came across a video about Pompeii, something I've been morbidly curious about for a while. I love history stories and learning about how they lived, how they solved the same issues we have today. And thus began my current hyper focus.

I saw Mary Beard first on the British Museum Pompeii live and was impressed by her personality and sense of humor, so I had to read this book. I am glad I watched a Pompeii walkthrough and other videos first, though, so I had a better sense of the city while reading.

This is the second Mary Beard book I have read. It was not quite what I expected, but that is a good thing on the whole. It is NOT a disaster book, describing how Vesuvius buried the town in ash. It is a fairly comprehensive look at what the ruins of Pompeii tell us about what life was like in 79CE and before.
The ruins were first rediscovered in the 18th century, and excavations are still going on. Ms. Beard looks at what has been found and tries to describe what it tells us about daily life, from the temples to the bars to the baths. Quite a bit is written about the various houses and how they represent different occupations and status levels. Much has been written about Pompeiian life that is rather fanciful and romantic. Ms. Beard re-examines what has been assumed and presents the reader with a fuller, but sometimes fuzzier idea of daily life.
If you are interested in Pompeii, or are planning a trip there some day, this book is well worth your time.

Interesting micro-history about Pompeii and her people–how they make a living, how they travel, where they live, what they eat, how they sleep and have sex, socialize and entertain themselves, etc... Is Pompeii really frozen forever at the moment of volcanic eruption? The answer is no.

This is my third Mary Beard. Totally enjoyed it.

An excellent companion to accompany a trip before or even after visiting Pompeii~