Pompeii: The New Dig, 15 April 2024, BBC Two, “The Bodies”

The ancient Roman city of Pompeii, famously destroyed and preserved by a volcanic eruption in AD 79, has long been a source of fascination and historical insight. In the three-part series “Pompeii: The New Dig,” viewers are offered a detailed look at the latest archaeological excavation undertaken in this iconic locale. The first episode, aptly titled “The Bodies,” airs on BBC Two on Monday, 15 April 2024, and focuses on the discovery and exploration of Insula 10, an entire city block in the northern section of Pompeii.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the dedicated team of Italian archaeologists who embarked on this ambitious project. Over the course of a year, they meticulously unearth Insula 10, seeking to understand the purpose of the structures within it, the people who inhabited them, and the stories of those individuals during the catastrophic eruption.

One of the earliest and most intriguing discoveries made by the team is a large brick oven. Initially, its size and presence pose a mystery, as it seems disproportionate for a private residence. However, as the archaeologists continue their investigations, they uncover evidence of a bustling commercial bakery. This bakery likely supplied bread on a wholesale level to the residents of Pompeii, providing an interesting glimpse into the city’s economy and daily life.

As the episode progresses, the team’s findings begin to paint a more comprehensive picture of Insula 10 and the people who called it home. The discovery of the bakery is just the beginning, and viewers can expect to learn more about the ancient Pompeians’ daily lives, routines, and tragedies as the series continues to unfold.

“The Bodies” promises to be a fascinating exploration of ancient history, offering a window into the lives of Pompeians nearly 2,000 years after their city was lost. By studying the buildings and the human remains left behind, the archaeologists are able to piece together stories of survival, tragedy, and the resilience of a community frozen in time.

“Pompeii: The New Dig” airs on BBC Two at 9:00 pm on Monday, 15 April 2024.