This title presents a lavishly illustrated and fascinating exploration of the art, architecture, and archaeology of one of the world's best preserved Roman cities. The remains of the ancient city of Pompeii, frozen in time following the tragic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79, have provided archaeologists and historians with invaluable evidence into the daily life of a city at the height of the Roman Empire. "Secrets of Pompeii" is a superbly illustrated volume that takes a fascinating look at how ancient Romans interacted in their public squares and marketplaces, how they worshipped, decorated their homes, and spent their leisure time - at the theatre, in the gyms, and in the baths and brothels. Featuring full-colour photographs of architectural remains and exquisite details from a range of ancient artworks, including wall paintings, sculpture, mosaics, and carved reliefs, this book offers an unparalleled glimpse into a lost world.

An expert in Pompeian studies and a qualified tourist guide since 2005, Professor De Albentiis has been Professor of Style, History of Art and Costume at the Pietro Vannucci Academy of Fine Arts, which in 2003 awarded him the title of Honorary Academician. In addition to his academic activity, which has also seen him involved as a visiting professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bilbao, Thessaloniki, Pontevedra, Córdoba Oporto and Nanjing, De Albentiis also stands out for his activity as a militant critic of contemporary art and as a promoter of sensitivity towards art and history, through his collaboration with various cultural bodies and associations. In this volume, he reconstructs the history of the discovery and excavation of Pompeii, immersing the reader in every aspect of Pompeian civilisation. A journey to discover the main areas and spaces dedicated to public and private life in Pompeii before the terrible eruption of 79 AD, which fatally decreed both its destruction and its preservation. The magnificence of Pompeii's villas, temples and squares is brought to life in this volume, together with an exhaustive analysis of the religious, economic, social, residential and funerary life of its civilisation. Text in English and Italian.