Pompeii: An Archaeological Guide

by Paul Wilkinson

The resonant ruins of Pompeii are perhaps the most direct route back to the living, breathing world of the ancient Romans. Two million visitors annually now walk the paved streets which re-emerged, miraculously preserved, from their layers of volcanic ash. Yet for all the fame and unique importance of the site, there is a surprising lack of a handy archaeological guide in English to reveal and explain its public spaces and private residences. This compact and user-friendly handbook, written by an expert in the field, helpfully fills that gap. Illustrated throughout with maps, plans, diagrams and other images, Pompeii: An Archaeological Guide offers a general introduction to the doomed city followed by an authoritative summary and survey of the buildings, artefacts and paintings themselves. The result is an unrivalled picture, derived from an intimate knowledge of Roman archaeology around the Bay of Naples, of the forum, temples, brothels, bath-houses, bakeries, gymnasia, amphitheatre, necropolis and other site buildings - including perennial favourites like the House of the Faun, named after its celebrated dancing satyr.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Italy, Art, Ancient History, Archaeology, Classical Studies

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Victor Sonkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

An average book on Pompeii; there are too many mistakes (of the very obvious kind, like mixing up the two Plinys) to be relaxed while reading it.

[Alex Geldzahler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting hyped

[Florentina Nicolae · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is fairly engaging as an introduction to the archaeological background of Pompeii. Unfortunately, it contains quite a number of errors. Additionally, when it mentions that certain objects are copies of other well-known artifacts from ancient Greece, I would have appreciated more specificity about which originals are being referenced.

[Paul Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and thorough guide to the main attractions at Pompeii with some helpful background chapters. Some improvements in labelling and some additional maps would make it more helpful to use when visiting the site itself.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this on site. Hope to be able to go back with it one day.

[albert Boada Abad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book that combines site visit guide with a good historical background.