Pompeii: The New Dig

Yes we’re enjoying it. Last night they were estimating how many people were actually in Pompeii. The number of bodies discovered doesn’t match the estimated population. Did you see the first “pizza”?

Yes, it’s a very interesting programme.
The power of the volcano was simply staggering and terrifying.
A horrifying time for those poor people who must have thought the end of the world had come (which, I suppose, for some, it had).
The archaeological discoveries are absolutely fascinating and it’s quite amazing that so much has been preserved so well, and the colours still look so bright, and the carvings still so clear.

How did I miss that 😩

I've seen snippets and it looks really interesting.

We're recording it so we'll look forward to watching.

Absolutely fascinating documentary, last episode next week.

I was lucky enough to go to Pompeii only for a few hours , non the less it's fascinating. I'm watching with great interest. When watching I feel the terrible fear and panic those poor people must have felt . A terrible way to die . The wealthy Romans but the poor slaves . I immagine a cruel place to live .

We’re loving it.

I am watching this and really enjoying it. I have visited Pompeii and Herculaneum and didn't realise how much more there is to be excavated.

I was very fortunate to live near Pompeii for many years and we used to visit it, along with Herculaneum, regularly. There is also a stunning villa at Oplontis and other remains at Stabia.

The eruption destroyed a number of towns but Pompeii was the largest and thus more famous. If anyone is in the area, I highly recommend visiting the lesser known sites too and do read Pliny the Elder's account of the disaster.

I've always felt that the Romans are far more relatable than any other ancient people. Their legacy in law, language and government of course endures but there is a connection on a more prosaic level.

I would also recommend visiting "new" Pompei (note the spelling) which is the medieval town that grew up nearby. There is undoubtedly DNA from survivors in the area. We know that Emperor Titus sent monetary aid for refugees.

To answer the OP's question, yes I'm glued to this series!

Yes! Really enjoying it.

flappergirl
Lucky you. It's been on my bucket list for a long time, but circumstances prevented me from going. Then came Covid and now I'm not sure if I'm up to it.

So I'll have to enjoy it through the TV.

I'm loving this programme.
I was lucky enough to go to Pompeii 20 years ago and have enjoyed refreshing my memories, but hadn't realised that so much of it had still not been explored.

An excellent programme. In the first episode they showed neatly stored tools and stacked roof tiles, which were being used in the ongoing rebuilding, following the earthquake which occurred 17 years prior to the volcanic eruption. I found this deeply moving, as did the men involved with the current excavation.

The most touching part of the workmen story was the finding of the remains of what they had been eating for lunch I thought - literally just before they fled.
It was also interesting this week when the American professor was following up on his years of work finding out about the survivors - and how many more people lived there than previously thought.
I’m looking forward to next week’s final episode.

Callistemon21

flappergirl
Lucky you. It's been on my bucket list for a long time, but circumstances prevented me from going. Then came Covid and now I'm not sure if I'm up to it.

So I'll have to enjoy it through the TV.

Sorry you might not be able to visit Callistemon but there are lots of excellent videos and other material online that almost transport you there. I doubt I'll ever be able to return.

It is a truly vast site, very hot and dusty and you really need at least a day of serious walking to see the major excavations. In reality you could spend a fortnight and not see it all.

Thanks flappergirl

I'm delighted to have been alerted to this series. I've just watched the first episode.
A big "thank you" from us!

My one quibble is not knowing which artwork is from the frescoes and which is "filler"..
This is a real frustration for me!

A fascinating place with so much more to be excavated. We will never forget our visit.