Digital Maps of the Ancient World

Pompeii

Embark on a captivating journey through the ancient streets of Pompeii with our meticulously curated reading list, offering a comprehensive exploration of this legendary Roman city frozen in time.

Delve into scholarly works by renowned archaeologists and historians such as Beard, Berry, and Zanker, who provide invaluable insights into Pompeii’s vibrant urban life, bustling markets, and tragic demise. Uncover the secrets of Pompeii’s well-preserved ruins, from its majestic public buildings and opulent villas to its bustling streets and intimate domestic spaces, offering a vivid glimpse into the daily lives of its inhabitants. Explore the latest research on Pompeii’s social structure, economic activities, and cultural identity, shedding new light on this ancient metropolis’ enduring legacy. Whether you’re a seasoned scholar, history aficionado, or curious traveler, our reading list invites you to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Pompeii and uncover the untold stories hidden beneath its ash-covered streets.

General

• Beard, M., Pompeii: the life of a Roman town, London, 2008.
• Berry, J., The complete Pompeii, London, 2007.
• Coarelli, F., Pompeii, New York, 2002.
• Dobbins, J.J. & Foss, P.W., The world of Pompeii, London, 2007.
• Wallace-Hadrill, A., Houses and society in Pompeii and Herculaneum, Princeton NJ, 1994.

Further Reading

• Anderson, M., ‘Public buildings and private opportunities: some dynamics in Pompeii’s urban development’ in Journal of Roman Archaeology 28, 2015, 71-95.
• Ball, L.F. & Dobbins, J.J., ‘Pompeii Forum Project: Current Thinking on the Pompeii Forum’ in American Journal of Archaeology 117, 2013, 461-492.
• Bergmann, B., ‘The Roman House as Memory Theater: The House of the Tragic Poet in Pompeii‘ in The Art Bulletin 76, 1994, 225-256.
• Dobbins, J.J., ‘Problems of Chronology, Decoration, and Urban Design in the Forum at Pompeii’ in American Journal of Archaeology 98, 1994, 629-694.
• Dobbins, J.J., ‘The imperial cult building in the Forum at Pompeii’ in Subject and ruler: the cult of the ruling power in classical antiquity : papers presented at a conference held in The University of Alberta on April 13-15, 1994 to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Duncan Fishwick, Ann Arbor MI, 1996, 99-114.
• Hales, S. & Paul, J., Pompeii in the public imagination from its rediscovery to today, Oxford, 2011.
• Jones, R. & Robinson, D., ‘The making of an élite house: the House of the Vestals at Pompeii’ in Journal of Roman Archaeology 17, 2004, 107-130.
• Laurence, R., Roman Pompeii: space and society, London, 2007.
• Laurence, R., ‘Pompeii and the ager Pompeianus’ in A companion to Roman Italy, Chichester, 2016, 401-16.
• Ling, R., Pompeii: history, life & afterlife, Stroud, 2005.
• Lorenz, K., ‘The Ear of the Beholder. Spectator Figures and Narrative Structure in Pompeian Painting’ in Art History, 2007.
• McGinn, T.A., Pompeian brothels, Pompeii’s ancient history, mirrors and mysteries, art and nature at Oplontis, & the Herculaneum ‘Basilica’, Portsmouth RI, 2002.
• Osanna, M., ‘Games, banquets, handouts, and the population of Pompeii as deduced from a new tomb inscription’ in Journal of Roman Archaeology 31, 2018, 310-322.
• Richardson, L., Pompeii: an architectural history, Baltimore, 1988.
• Wallace-Hadrill, A., ‘Public honour and private shame: the urban texture of Pompeii’ in Urban society in Roman Italy, London, 1995, 39-62.
• Zanker, P. & Schneider, D.L., Pompeii: public and private life, Cambridge MA, 1998.