Echoes of Ash: Life in Herculaneum

'Finally, a book that puts Herculaneum back on the map!' – Dr Daisy Dunn

'What an extraordinary tour de force!' – Dr Sophie Hay

'This is an absolute must-read…' – Dr Jessica Venner

On a beach near Naples in October 79 CE, more than 300 people stand on a beach, hoping for an evacuation that will never come. Vesuvius has erupted, and there is no time to escape. They will all be killed instantly in the suffocating, hellishly hot devastation that follows.

This was the end of their town, but it is not the end of their story. Neighbouring the world-renowned Pompeii, the town of Herculaneum is the neglected victim of Vesuvius. It was uniquely preserved in the aftermath of the eruption, and in many ways gives us unparalleled glimpses into the past.

• Essential reading for fans of Pompeii

• Herculaneum receives 300,000 visitors every year and is one of Italy's top ten tourist destinations, yet it has been overshadowed by Pompeii in popular history – until now

• Based on the latest archaeological research and discoveries, Adrian Murdoch explores the ancient Roman town to bring the ancient world to life

• Herculaneum's unrivalled preservation gives us a unique glimpse into Roman life

Echoes of Ash tells the fascinating story of Herculaneum and the people who lived there for the first time. By looking through the eyes of such figures as the Weaver and the Slave Girl, the Soldier and the Boxer, and by investigating the relevant buildings and the archaeological discoveries of the past twenty years, acclaimed historian Adrian Murdoch builds a historical picture that is more colourful, complete and alive than has ever been possible before. View Less