On this day, 1,930 years ago, Mt. Vesuvius erupted burying the neighboring cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum beneath ash and mud. A bad day for Romans living in the bay of Naples, but as it turns out, a very useful one for folks interested in studying the social history of the Roman world. Pliny the…Continue Reading 1,930 years ago on August 24 …
Emperor Vespasian’s birth-place found
A large Roman villa (some 150,000 sq. ft.) has been found near the ancient city of Falacrinae — known to be the birthplace of the emperor Vespasian (emperor A.D. 69-79). Excavations are underway, and given the size, location, and rich appointments of the villa, it seems likely to have been associated with the Flavian family. …Continue Reading Emperor Vespasian’s birth-place found