Table of contents

The ruins of Pompeii reveal more graphically than anywhere else in the Roman world the vital role that gladiators and gladiatorial combat played in society. The Vesuvian eruption not only sealed the oldest amphitheatre to survive from antiquity, but also grafitti, elaborate weaponry, stone monuments and paintings which all testify to the popularity of gladiators, several of which are known to us by name. In addition, the discovery of a training barracks allows us to locate physically the place of gladiators in the city. This book, now available in English translation, presents the evidence from Pompeii in full colour photographs, accompanied by reconstruction drawings and an informative text that takes us through the streets of Pompeii as the gladiators would have known it.

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.

"Richly illustrated with historical images and new images of the site by acclaimed photographer Chris Caldicott, The Lost World of Pompeii tells the fascinating story of the ghosts of a bygone era raised from the ashes."--BOOK JACKET.

COLORFUL CHARACTERS TUMBLE FROM THE PAGES AS POMPEII LIVES AGAIN. A.D. 59. Nero, a corrupt and narcissistic sadist rules the Roman Empire. Eventually, tired of the Emperor's determination to destroy the social and political fabric of Roman life, a group of senators, praetorians and courtiers conspire to assassinate him. Pompeii is a city of secrets with a reputation for wealth, leisure and the good life. Culturally rich and oozing energy, it exudes a zest for living unmatched by Rome's cold, corrupt magnificence. Murder and revenge will fuel support for the conspiracy, from those Pompeians with every reason to despise Nero. And Pompeii hides another secret. What is the mystery of the villa with the room of the crimson frescoes? Rome's Empress, Poppaea, born in Pompeii, struggles to cope with Nero's madness, her political ambitions, and her longing for a glamorous lover hidden in a villa in nearby Oplontis. Through the novel's pages walks Praxus, a praetorian guard. His inner struggle between decency and his oath to a murderous Emperor, represents the core of goodness that remains inherent in Roman society.

This all embracing survey of Pompeii provides the most comprehensive survey of the region available. With contributions by well-known experts in the field, this book studies not only Pompeii, but also – for the first time – the buried surrounding cities of Campania. The World of Pompeii includes the latest understanding of the region, based on the up-to-date findings of recent archaeological work. Accompanied by a CD with the most detailed map of Pompeii so far, this book is instrumental in studying the city in the ancient world and is an excellent source book for students of this fascinating and tragic geographic region.