The ancient city of Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its importance is that it provides us with a snapshot of what ancient Roman life was like in truth. When Vesuvius (just 5 miles away) erupted in the year 79, it covered the city in volcanic ash, effectively freezing it until it was uncovered much later. 

We will look at pictures and videos of Pompeii as it stands now, and digital reconstructions of how it once appeared. We will use the letters of Pliny the Younger, describing the eruption, and archaeological relics, housed at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Naples, Italy (pictures from my own travels and research). We will also view portions of a YouTube video that shows a walking tour of the city in conjunction with a map. 

We'll discuss the daily lives of the people... their business ventures, leisure time, food, art, architecture, and culture. We all know that the eruption of Vesuvius put an end to many lives there, but that is not the focus of this class (although it is briefly discussed); we will focus on how people lived there. 

The class is lecture-based, with slides, pictures, and videos, but I encourage students to ask questions, to input their thoughts and ideas. I strongly believe education is a conversation, and that students take away what they've discussed, and think on it, and remember it!  

No previous knowledge or coursework is required. No other supplies are needed for this class.