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Pompeii
The Life of a Roman Town
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Check link for latest rating. ( 5,198 ratings, 575 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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See moreIn this brilliant portrait of the 'life in a Roman town', Mary Beard uses the relics buried by the eruption on AD79 to bring everyday Roman culture alive.'
'Much of what you think you know about Pompeii may turn out, on reading this eye-opening book, to be wrong ... Beard always wears her learning lightly, and in this outstanding book she has excelled herself, puncturing preconceptions and exposing a whole layer of myth about the world's best-preserved ancient town. The result is an often gripping piece of detective work that also offers a tantalising window into the reality of daily Roman life.' The Sunday Times
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
Pompeii explodes a number of myths – from the very date of the eruption, probably a few months later than usually thought; the hygiene of the baths, which must have been hotbeds of germs; and the legendary number of brothels, most likely only one, to the massive death count, which was probably less than ten per cent of the population.
Street Life, Earning a Living: Baker, Banker and Garum Maker (who ran the city), The Pleasure of the Body: Food, Wine, Sex and Baths, these chapter headings give a surprising insight into the workings of a Roman town.
At the Suburban Baths, we go from communal bathing to hygiene to erotica. A fast-food joint on the Via dell' Abbondanza introduces food and drink and diets and street life.
These are just a few of the strands that make up an extraordinary and involving portrait of an ancient town, its life and its continuing re-discovery, by Britain's leading classicist.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Pompeii by Mary Beard is praised for debunking myths about the Roman town with strong scholarship and engaging storytelling. Critics highlight its meticulous and vivid portrayal of life in Pompeii, celebrating its accessibility, wit, and the evocative writing that brings ancient history to life. The book's human touch and insightful reconstruction of the past are particularly noted, making it a favourite among readers seeking both accurate historical insights and an enjoyable reading experience.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781861975966
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 16 July 2009
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Profile Books Ltd
Edition: Main
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 26.0mm
Width: 128.0mm
Height: 196.0mm
Weight: 326g
Pages: 368
About the Author
Mary Beard is a Professor of Classics at Newnham College, Cambridge. Her books include The Parthenon and The Colosseum (with Keith Hopkins), and the recent The Roman Triumph. She lives in Cambridge.
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