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Now Playing
Pompeii Documentary: In The Shadow of Vesuvius
Free admission with a ticket to the exhibition
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 return
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1987
Color
57 Minutes
Show Times:
See this film for free when you purchase a ticket to Pompeii: Tales from an Eruption
Since the days of the Roman Empire, Italy´s Mount Vesuvius has erupted more than 50 times, devastating whole cities and towns. In A.D. 79 the volcano destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum, burying people alive as they ran to escape its fury. Lost and forgotten for more than 1,600 years, the once-thriving trade center of Pompeii has been successfully uncovered by archaeologists. At Herculaneum, human skeletons were found in a fatal embrace. Although Vesuvius is sleeping now, this active volcano is never far from the minds of the two million people who live in its shadow.
The documentary unfolds as a mystery, revealing how archeologists and other experts worked from the ruins to piece together the prosperous societies that once flourished in Pompeii and Herculaneum. A vast array of artifacts are revealed, including skeletons, structures, decorative and functional objects, and even the discovery of a dining table set for a meal, preserved for nearly 2,000 years.
Many of the objects included in the MFAH exhibition Pompeii: Tales from an Eruption are featured in the film, with specialists demonstrating the techniques used to re-create life before the disaster. Most devastating is the accuracy with which scholars have determined a timeline that suggests how people spent the hours leading up to the tragedy.
Today, people living in the sprawling metropolis of Naples and the nearby fishing village of Pozzuouli remain under the threat not only of the volcano, but also of earthquakes. The documentary includes compelling scenes shot by Allied forces in 1944, following the most recent eruption of Vesuvius in the modern era. Diligent efforts of the Italian authorities are revealed, alongside the efforts of an international team of scientists who have developed seismic and oceanographic monitoring systems.
The film concludes with a lively annual ritual, the celebration of the Miracle of San Gennaro, the patron saint who protects Naples from the wrath of Mount Vesuvius.
This fascinating documentary recounts the human experience of Mount Vesuvius, past and present, with the unsettling conclusion that residents of the region will never be completely safe. Carefully researched and presented in vivid detail, it will enrich the visitor´s experience of the landmark exhibition Pompeii: Tales from an Eruption.
Be sure to check back for additional screenings or changes in the Films schedule. You can also contact us with questions about future films at film@mfah.org.
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