Pompeii and Herculaneum remain among the world's most extraordinary archaeological sites. This course examines both historic and recent excavations to explore how our understanding of these Roman cities continues to evolve. Participants will encounter architecture, mosaics, frescoes, sculpture, graffiti and everyday objects that reveal the lives of both wealthy and ordinary Pompeians before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The course also considers how archaeological methods have changed over time and why Pompeii continues to fascinate scholars, travellers and students alike. Ideal for HSC Ancient History students, travellers to Italy and anyone interested in archaeology or Roman history.

DELIVERY MODE

Online

COURSE RESOURCES

• https://pompeiisites.org/en/
• Gabriel Zuchtriegel, The Buried City (2025)

COURSE OUTLINE

• Introduction to Pompeii and Herculaneum: Understanding the geography of the Bay of Naples and associated volcanology and the pre-Roman history of both cities as well as the conflicting evidence about the eruption of 79AD
• Archaeology and Imagination: A brief overview of the rediscovery and 300 years of excavation and the way Pompeii has captured the popular imagination
• Daily Life in the Ancient Cities: We will go for a walk through the cities, visiting both public and private buildings and explore Roman daily life for all levels of society
• Art and Culture: An examination of the art of the ancient cities with a focus on frescoes and mosaics
• Legacy: Recent work in the city, the challenges of preservation and the struggle to preserve the cities and welcome millions of tourists annually

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Have an understanding of the world's most famous archaeological site; the key structures of Pompeii and Herculaneum, significant finds from the site (frescoes, mosaics, sculpture, ceramics and glass), and an appreciation of the historical development of archaeological practices at the site.