Pompeii is the best known and probably the most important archaeological site in the world. This is the most up-to-date, authoritative and comprehensive account for the general reader of its rise, splendour and fall. The drama of Pompeii`s end has been handed down by Roman writers, its paintings and mosaics have astonished visitors since their discovery, and its houses and public buildings still present a vivid picture of life, disaster and death in a Roman town. • The dramatic story of Pompeii’s destruction and burial • Lavish illustrations, covering monumental architecture and inscriptions, houses, shops, graffiti, wall-paintings and mosaics. • The changing nature of excavation and research since Pompeii was unearthed • Pompeii’s development – the latest findings • Vivid evidence on the daily lives and deaths of the people • The internal politics of Pompeii • Architecture, decoration and objects of daily life • Religion in Pompeian life, from the Roman gods to the exotic cult of Isis • Economic Life, from production, through shopping and eating, to long-distance trade • Features range from theatre to water supply • Comprehensive tables of information