The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD destroyed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. 

Volcanic ash, stone, and lava covered and preserved the cities for more than 16 centuries. The excavations that started 250 years ago give us the best insight into the life of ancient Romans. 

In this presentation, numerous slides will lead us along the excavated streets and into the luxurious villas decorated with brilliant frescoes, mosaics, and statues. We will also see their fashion, jewelry they wore, the food they ate, how they spent their leisure time, and which entertainments they enjoyed.

Dr. Snjezana Smodlaka has published numerous articles on the Italian language and literature and has presented more than 30 papers in USA, Croatia, Italy, Austria, Spain, and Germany.

Forty years ago, she came to the USA with a Fulbright Scholarship. She has a B.A. in Italian language and literature and an M.A. in Romance Philology. She obtained her Ph, D. in Italian Baroque literature at Rutgers University.

The cost is $10

$5 for members