Pompeii and Herculaneum: A Sourcebook

by Alison E. Cooley, M.G.L. Cooley (Editor)

The original edition of A Sourcebook was a crucial resource for students of the site. Now updated to include material from Herculaneum, the neighbouring town also buried in the eruption of Vesuvius, Pompeii and A Sourcebook allows readers to form a richer and more diverse picture of urban life on the Bay of Naples. Focusing upon inscriptions and ancient texts, it translates and sets into context a representative sample of the huge range of source material uncovered in these towns. From the labels on wine jars to scribbled insults, and from advertisements for gladiatorial contests to love poetry, the individual chapters explore the early history of Pompeii and Herculaneum, their destruction, leisure pursuits, politics, commerce, religion, the family and society. Information about Pompeii and Herculaneum from authors based in Rome is included, but the great majority of sources come from the cities themselves, written by their ordinary inhabitants – men and women, citizens and slaves. Encorporating the latest research and finds from the two cities and enhanced with more photographs, maps, and plans, Pompeii and A Sourcebook offers an invaluable resource for anyone studying or visiting the sites.

Genres: History, Classics, Religion, Italy, Archaeology, School

360 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Victor Sonkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent list of various ancient sources related to Pompeii and Herculaneum, with explanations and all that's necessary.

[Antony P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent coverage of source material, and commentary thereon.

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

why is there an entire section on garum but hardly anything on children??