
Dan Snow's History Hit Pompeii
Aug 14, 2025
Join historian Kate Lister, a podcaster known for her exploration of sex and society, as she uncovers the intriguing and scandalous life of ancient Pompeii. Delve into the vibrant daily routines of its residents before the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius. Discover the chilling artifacts and haunting plaster casts that reveal last moments of the victims. Kate shares insights into Pompeii's notorious brothels and the city's complex social dynamics, all while contrasting ancient Roman attitudes toward sexuality with those of today. A fascinating journey through time!
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Pack For Heat, Dust And Midges
- Expect heat, dust and midges; bring water, sun protection and insect repellant.
- Choose sturdy, closed shoes to protect feet on uneven volcanic paving.
Children's Handprints Unearthed
- Dan and Kate saw newly uncovered children's handprints and gladiator graffiti, frozen in time before the eruption.
- Those marks suggest little or no weathering between the drawing and the disaster.
Storeroom Treasures And A Stolen Statue
- Dan visited the storeroom of finds and saw delicate household objects, like a statue with a broken-off penis kept for attempted theft.
- Staff recovered items that tourists once tried to smuggle, illustrating modern pressures on sites.

