Pompeii and the Roman Villa

Narrated by Sir Derek Jacobi - star of the landmark television series "I Claudius" - this documentary explores art and culture around the Bay of Naples before Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. The bay was then the most fashionable destination for vacationing Romans. Julius Caesar emperors and senators were among those who owned sumptuous villas along its shores. Artists flocked to the region to create frescoes sculpture and luxurious objects in gold silver and glass for villa owners as well as residents of Pompeii and other towns in the shadow of Vesuvius. The film concludes with the story of the discovery of Pompeii and Herculaneum from the 18th century onward.