Since its discovery in the middle of the eighteenth century, Pompeii has aroused the interest of scholars and laypeople alike. The thrill of finding the ancient city--buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD--was heightened by the rich history of this Roman town and her people. When the ancient sculptures, decorations, and buildings of Pompeii first came to light, they were eagerly compared with then-contemporary knowledge of classical antiquity, and still today are immensely important in understanding ancient Roman civilization. This comprehensive guide features an insightful history of Pompeii along with beautiful photographs of the ruins, frescoes, and art objects of the city. Pompeii is toured via three itineraries: from Porta Marina to the House of Ceii; from Via dell'Abbondanza to Porta Nocera; and from the House of Julius Polibius to the Villa of the Mysteries. A thematic index and an index of places and buildings are also included, making this a useful guide for travelers, students, scholars, and anyone else with an interest in this fascinating site.… (more)