Once thought of as a symbol of Roman sophistication, recent archaeological discoveries at Pompeii uncover a more complex, darker reality that was key to the functioning of the city.

 

Pompeii’s Secret Underworld offers a stark, new portrayal of the ancient city, exposing a deeply divided society marked by extreme inequality, violence and unrest. 

 

Combining historical evidence with the latest discoveries, experts retrace the rise and fall of Pompeii- from its introduction as a Roman colony in the 1st century BC to its destruction by Vesuvius in 79AD. 

 

With access to restricted parts of the city this programme explores several ground-breaking finds, piecing together clues to reveal what life was really like in Pompeii 2000 years ago. Through these discoveries experts uncover a city of extremes, painting a vivid picture of a complex society deeply divided by wealth., power, and opportunity, revealing a civilisation far removed from the idealized image of Roman culture.

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