Registration for this course is closed. The eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD was a disaster for the region, burying towns including Pompeii and Herculaneum. It was also a gift for those who came later and sought to understand how Roman cities functioned. This course differs from the one taught in 2020 in format and focus, as well as in presenting more recent archaeology and scholarship. In the lectures and discussions, we will explore materials recovered from areas covered by Vesuvius’ lava and ash. Our goal will be to understand how architectural remains, ranging from temples to brothels, lavishly frescoed walls to graffiti, can inform our understanding of how people from all social classes lived in the early Roman empire. No previous knowledge of Roman culture is required. The contributions of all students are valued, including those who took this course in 2020.