|Reſlections| Under Osanna and Zuchtriegel’s watch, the archaeological record, too, has begun to tell a slightly different story about Pompeii Frescoes spanning three walls in the aptly named Villa of Mysteries are widely believed to depict the initiation rites of a Dionysian cult is to work to broaden the site’s outreach. In May 2022, 80 students from two local secondary schools put on a production of Aristophanes’ satirical comedy The Birds (updated to reflect their own experience as teenagers in what is today a tough but also eternally creative part of southern Italy) in Pompeii’s ancient theatre. The production has since embarked on a national tour. Under Osanna and Zuchtriegel’s watch, the archaeological record, too, has begun to tell a slightly different story about Pompeii. One obvious example is the “new” dating of that devastating first-century AD eruption of Vesuvius. Until recently, the history books gave this as 24 August, based on literary sources. But the scholarly consensus, Zuchtriegel says, now leans towards an October date, based on clues that include traces of fresh olives and walnuts found in Pompeian kitchens, and the heavy clothing worn by some of the fleeing inhabitants. Expert Advice To get the best out of Pompeii, you need a guide who will do more than skim the surface. Personable Naples-based guide Eliana Sandretti (elianasandretti. com) has worked as an archaeologist on the site, while all three of the Pompeii guides who currently lead the half-day tours offered by Rome-born international operator Context Travel (contexttravel.com) are passionate about the culture and history of the Vesuvian area. 58 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM
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