Jess Venner

Dr Jess Venner, Roman historian and Pompeii expert who interprets archaeological evidence to illuminate everyday life. She explains plaster cast techniques and what poses reveal about deaths. She contrasts Pompeii and Herculaneum preservation. She examines graffiti, erotic art, recent digs, and the ethics of displaying victims.

Join Dr. Jess Venner, a Roman historian and expert on Pompeii, as she shares captivating insights about the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Hear about Pliny the Elder's brave rescue mission, his tragic fate, and the pivotal letters from his nephew, Pliny the Younger. Discover how terror unfolded as pumice and pyroclastic flows devastated the towns, leading to their entombment. Venner also highlights the remarkable differences in preservation between Pompeii and Herculaneum, revealing stories of survivors and the haunting remains of a lost civilization.

In this captivating conversation, Dr. Jess Venner, an ancient historian specializing in Pompeii, shares her insights on the daily lives of its inhabitants before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. She discusses the unique diversity of Pompeii’s population and the humorous graffiti that gives a glimpse into their everyday struggles. Dr. Venner also reveals how the eruption unfolded and the challenges faced by residents trying to escape. Her forthcoming book, 'The Lost Voices of Pompeii,' promises to uncover more untold stories from this haunting historical site.

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.

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.