Dr. Jess Venner

The Lost Voices of Pompeii Dr. Jess Venner

Award-winning ancient historian, archeologist, and social media sensation Dr. Jess Venner (@lifeinthepastlane_) brings the citizens of Pompeii back to life through a vibrant account of their final day before Mt. Vesuvius’s eruption.

While the ruins of Pompeii still stand today, silent and perfectly preserved in ash and stone, they were once home to thousands of people whose lives were forever altered—or cut short—in the wake of Mt. Vesuvius. Through extensive research and vivid storytelling, leading expert Dr. Jess Venner goes beyond the devastation and shows a community teeming with art, customs, and culture.

The Lost Voices of Pompeii follows ordinary citizens on what should have been an ordinary day: Petrinus, a slave, hopes to purchase his freedom; the recently elected Gaius Cuspius Pansa seeks to cement his legacy as a generous public servant; and the shrewd merchant Aulus Umbricius Scaurus and ambitious innkeeper Euxinus each devise ways to expand their growing businesses.

Meanwhile, Julia Felix, a female entrepreneur, prepares to host the Cult of Isis and its mesmerizing priest Amisusius, and freedwoman turned businesswoman Umbricia Fortunata and her husband Lucius work to secure a better future for their children.

Pompeii’s story is often reduced to the scope of its tragedy, but Dr. Venner brings our attention back to the individuals. As the citizens’ paths weave together and apart, leading up to the final, fateful moment, they capture a civilization rich in history, traditions, and aspirations.

A profound and immersive experience, The Lost Voices of Pompeii revives a people often overshadowed by death and destruction and tells a poignant tale of humanity and resilience.