The Rest Is History 16. Pompeii
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Jan 21, 2021 
Join Dr. Sophie Hay, a leading expert and archaeologist with 25 years at Pompeii, as she unravels the mysteries of this ancient city. She discusses the vibrant daily life before the eruption, the rich tapestry of social dynamics, and the ethical dilemmas of interpreting erotic art and preserved victims. Exciting recent discoveries, like an ancient bar with culinary delights, also highlight ongoing excavations. The conversation touches on the complexities of blending tourism with research and what Pompeii reveals about our history.
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Pompeii Tourism
- Tourists often visit Pompeii briefly, seeing only the forum, brothel, and one house.
- Sophie Hay laments this, wishing they'd explore more.
Unexcavated Pompeii
- One-third of Pompeii remains unexcavated, with some areas currently occupied by tomato farms.
- The fertile volcanic soil is ideal for agriculture.
Pliny the Elder's Misconception
- Pliny the Elder, despite writing Natural History, didn't recognize Vesuvius as a volcano.
- This misconception highlights the limited understanding of volcanic eruptions.