PBS: Thursday 27 February at 8.35pm

Pompeii: Buried Secrets of the Villa Giuliana

Pompeii’s destruction has long been an iconic tragedy, but recent discoveries are rewriting our understanding of the ancient city. A team of archaeologists uncovers the hidden life of this Roman town, offering a fresh perspective on its people and culture. The documentary follows the excavation of a remarkably well-preserved city street and a luxurious chariot, dubbed the “Lamborghini of the ancient world.” Through these finds, the film explores how Pompeii’s citizens lived, revealing insights into the vibrant social and economic life before the eruption. This investigation challenges past assumptions, revealing Pompeii as a vibrant city shaped by trade, art, and innovation, with its legacy still seen today.