This book is based on an in-depth filmed conversation between Howard Burton and Andrew Wallace-Hadrill, Director of Research and Honorary Professor of Roman Studies in the Faculty of Classics at the University of Cambridge. This wide-ranging conversation covers his fascinating archeological work done in Herculaneum and Pompeii, the politics of excavation, and life in the ancient Roman world.

This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Historical Value, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:

I. What We Know - History and geology

II. Letting Sleeping Dogs Lie - Exploring historical motivations

III. Exploring Roman Society - Housing, slavery, citizenship and status

IV. Herculaneum vs. Pompeii - Different eyes on the past

V. The Future of the Past - Excavation, preservation and spending effectively

This book is part of an expanding series of 100+ Ideas Roadshow conversations, each one presenting a wealth of candid insights from a leading expert through a focused yet informal setting to give non-specialists a uniquely accessible window into frontline research and scholarship that wouldn't otherwise be encountered through standard lectures and textbooks. For other books in this series visit our website: https://ideas-on-film.com/ideasroadshow/.