This book accompanies the ground-breaking TV documentary. It sets out a brief history of the two cities, Pompeii and Herculaneum, and describes everyday life in a Roman province, before following the last twenty-four hours of its inhabitants. Fully illustrated with photographs of the lost treasures, early excavations and the buildings as they appear today, it is a comprehensive guide to the rise and fall of one of the world's most famous cities. For those inspired to visit the sites for themselves, the final chapter of the book comprises a one-day tour of Pompeii, complete with a full colour plan of the streets and major buildings of interest.