Pompeii, Herculaneum, what was the favorite resort of the Roman aristocracy. The author reveals life in this part of Campania just before the eruption of Vesuvius. There are the aqueducts ensuring water in all parts of this region. Prestigious works that must be preserved, maintained, and repaired. An official is assigned there.
Attilius is sent by Rome to find his mysteriously disappeared predecessor. He will especially discover corruption, loose morals, and a murky universe. Then there is the death of mullets in their basin. A slave is accused and executed. In fact, he is not to blame; it is the sulfur that is responsible. Vesuvius is going to awaken; it is August 79.
The author describes this aristocratic society neighboring with the plebeians, the water war between a lower class begging for something to drink and the baths where this same water is wasted. Vesuvius is going to awaken and annihilate Pompeii. A magnificent work, a historical reconstruction of this tragedy to which ancient Rome fell victim.
A description of this society where social classes were very leveled between free men and slaves. We also discover the degree of civilization and urbanization of this Roman Empire where the art of living and refinement was unparalleled and has probably not, even to this day, been equaled or even less surpassed.
Thierry Jan, writer
