
Information
Release DateOctober 19, 2008
Runtime30m
StatusReleased
ProductionDepartment of Exhibition Programs, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, USA
LanguagesEnglish
N/A
Popularity0
Pompeii and the Roman Villa
Synopsis
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.
Cast & Crew
Featured Cast

Derek Jacobi
Narrator