MOUNT VESUVIUS
The fame of Vesuvius stems not from its age (it is relatively
young in geologic terms), nor its size (just slightly more than
4000 feet), nor its ferocity (its modern eruptions have been
far from spectacular, compared to Krakatoa, for example).
But in August of 79 AD the mountain caught the people of
the towns within its shadows unawares, and left behind a
grim treasure trove of art, artifacts, and corpses. The
activities of Mount Vesuvius have been documented
continuously from 62 AD to modern times, and it was the
first volcano to become an active tourist attraction.
This lecture is a history of the volcano, the story of the
discoveries of the buried cities, and an examination of the
half dozen towns and villas buried by the fateful explosion of
79 AD. Particular attention is paid to the more impressive
artifacts still in situ at the sites, as well as those that have
made their way to the Naples Archaeological Museum.
The lecture is lavishly illustrated with more than 200 images
of the sites and museum pieces from the Vesuvius cities. In
addition, a course syllabus with extensive lecture notes,
plans, and elevations is provided.
208 DVD. 1 lecture on DVD $10.00.
218 CD. 1 lecture on audio CD $6.00.
- “Vesuvius slumbers, but his heart is always
awake.” Alessandro Malladra.
The fame of Vesuvius stems not from its age (it is relatively
young in geologic terms), nor its size (just slightly more than
4000 feet), nor its ferocity (its modern eruptions have been
far from spectacular, compared to Krakatoa, for example).
But in August of 79 AD the mountain caught the people of
the towns within its shadows unawares, and left behind a
grim treasure trove of art, artifacts, and corpses. The
activities of Mount Vesuvius have been documented
continuously from 62 AD to modern times, and it was the
first volcano to become an active tourist attraction.
This lecture is a history of the volcano, the story of the
discoveries of the buried cities, and an examination of the
half dozen towns and villas buried by the fateful explosion of
79 AD. Particular attention is paid to the more impressive
artifacts still in situ at the sites, as well as those that have
made their way to the Naples Archaeological Museum.
The lecture is lavishly illustrated with more than 200 images
of the sites and museum pieces from the Vesuvius cities. In
addition, a course syllabus with extensive lecture notes,
plans, and elevations is provided.
208 DVD. 1 lecture on DVD $10.00.
218 CD. 1 lecture on audio CD $6.00.
