Pompeii: In the Shadow of the Volcano

Almost 2,000 years ago in southern Italy, the volcano Mount Vesuvius erupted violently, with tremendous force and little warning.

Within 24 hours, the nearby ancient Roman city of Pompeii perished in a rain of hot ash, falling debris and clouds of poisonous gaseous blasts. Buried under metres of volcanic ash, the once-thriving city suddenly – and completely – vanished from sight.

Pompeii remained buried for almost 1,700 years until excavations began in 1748… and archaeologists uncovered a city frozen in time.

Over 200 objects excavated from the ancient site reveal the daily lives – public and private – of the people of Pompeii immediately prior to the great eruption, and the overwhelming toll paid by those who decided to stay.

Stunning gold and silver, exquisite mosaics and jewellery, uncannily preserved objects of everyday life, iconic body casts and more tell the story of Pompeii, its people, and its astonishing legacy – unique and remarkably preserved – an ancient city frozen in time.