Mount Vesuvius erupted almost 2000 years ago. The inhabitants of nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum suffered horrific deaths, before being buried under tonnes of volcanic rock and mud. For centuries their stories were forgotten. Gradually over the last 250 years, their secrets have been unearthed, giving us a remarkable insight into an ancient society. This comprehensive programme, filmed on location in Pompeii and Herculaneum, reveals details of everyday lives, occupations, religion, politics, entertainment, influence of foreign cultures and the architecture of both public buildings and private homes.