Pompeii: the most famous volcanic eruption in history. We know how its victims died, but this 60 minute landmark film sets out to answer a much more interesting question - how did they live?
Gleaning evidence from an extraordinary find, Cambridge professor and Pompeii expert Mary Beard is to provide viewers with a fascinating new insight into the lives of the people who lived in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius before its cataclysmic eruption.
In a dark cellar in Oplontis, just three miles from the centre of Pompeii, 54 skeletons who didn’t succumb to the torrent of volcanic ash are about to be put under the microscope of forensic science - and there are some big surprises in store.
Mary Beard takes us on journey from the cellar to a small ancient town which nevertheless boasted more than 50 fast food joints, dozens of rowdy bars, a 200 foot long swimming pool and even a its own brothel.
Written and Directed by Paul Elston (Brave New Media) this film opens the lid on this most famous of ancient towns to reveal Pompeii as it’s never been seen before…
Broadcaster: BBC Two
TX Date: December 2010
Total Episodes: 1
Duration: 60 mins
Executive Producer(s): Richard Bradley, Cassian Harrison (BBC)
Presenter(s): Mary Beard
Useful Links: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/8199687/Pompeii-Life-and-Death-in-a-Roman-Town.html
Distribution Information: All3Media International