HistoryExtra podcast Before the volcano: life in ancient Pompeii
Jan 11, 2026
Dr. Jess Venner, a historian of the Roman world and Pompeii expert, explores daily life in ancient Pompeii. She reveals the fascinating diversity of the town's population, from merchants to political vibrancy shown through graffiti. Interesting discussions include residents' ignorance of the looming Vesuvius, the complexities of dating the eruption due to pomegranates, and how earthquakes shaped urban growth. Jess also shares poignant insights into Pompeian graffiti, bringing the voices of its residents to life.
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Awareness Without Certainty
- Residents knew of unsettling features—sulfur, strange rocks and earthquakes—but they lacked a settled scientific consensus that Vesuvius was an active volcano.
- Such knowledge remained uneven and often confined to literate elites.
Myth And Practical Views Mixed
- Myth and science coexisted: locals explained tremors with giants and gods while some writers sought natural explanations.
- A Pompeian fresco shows Vesuvius as vine-covered, reflecting its fertility rather than menace.
Normalised Seismic Risk
- Earthquakes were routine in Campania, so residents became accustomed and repaired or adapted rather than abandoning towns.
- Wells, repairs and rebuilding after quakes show locals tried pragmatic responses to seismic risk.
