HistoryExtra podcast How ancient Pompeii was rediscovered
Jan 25, 2026
Dr Jess Venner, historian of the Roman world and Pompeii expert. She traces how news and refugees reached Rome, Titus’s relief measures and why resettlement failed. Learn about salvage tunnelling, looting and Bourbon showmanship that shaped early digs. Modern archaeology, unexcavated districts and hopes for gardens and vineyards round out the story.
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Rapid Imperial Relief And Salvage
- Titus responded quickly to the Bay of Naples disaster by dispatching ex-consuls and organising rescue and relief efforts.
- He remitted taxes and tried to resettle refugees but ultimately focused on salvage rather than full rebuilding.
From City To Resource
- After assessing the damage, Roman authorities treated Pompeii as a source of reusable materials and began tunnelling to salvage valuables.
- Tunnelling and looting continued later, producing later-period skeletons and graffiti evidence of intruders.
Depth Protected Herculaneum
- Herculaneum lies far deeper (≈20m) under volcanic deposit than Pompeii (4–6m), making it better preserved and harder to access.
- Depth shielded Herculaneum from early looters and casual salvage.
