The Natural History of Pompeii (review)

It is not only archaeologists and naturalists who will enjoy reading this volume and benefit from its contents, whose wide array of studies in the natural sciences increases our current knowledge in a remarkable fashion. Carefully edited and copiously illustrated with excellent photos, drawings, and plans, the book is also an aesthetic delight. Obviously, Jashemski realized at an early stage of excavating ancient gardens and farmland in the Vesuvian area that her research would benefit greatly if contributions from several disciplines of natural science could complete the cultural image formed previously by anthropocentric archaeological studies. Together with her co-editor Meyer she managed to assemble and inspire, over a period of many years, twenty-seven professionals from seven nationalities (list of contributors, xvii–xviii) to collaborate on this common goal.

Approximately one third of the tome is devoted to plants. The species are treated systematically, followed by studies on pollen analysis and dendrochronological issues, as well as identification of the woods used in architecture and furniture. A description of animal life takes up about the same amount of space: fish, marine invertebrates, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Contributions on the "inanimate" world, in particular on geology, vulcanology (of obvious importance, given the role Mt. Vesuvius played in preserving the evidence), and soil science complete the discussions of natural phenomena. Holistic accounts of the roles of ornamental and produce gardens in the cityscape and in the development of the surrounding natural landscape (Lake Avernus) result in a vivid analysis of complex ecological relationships and evolutionary processes. Skeletal remains provide insight into health and dietary customs as well as habits of the inhabitants. A concise introduction into the various specific methods and evaluations is given in order to support the findings in each field of research. The large section dealing with the identification of plants and animals seen in wall-paintings, mosaics, and sculpture is of particular value for botanists and zoologists. Furthermore, carbonized remains, as well as bones and pollen, are incontrovertible evidence for the fauna and flora, offering an idea of the manifold phenomena encountered in antiquity. The vast testimony of ancient authors is evaluated meticulously and used to the full, with special attention given to the Historia Naturalis of Pliny the Elder, who died during the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. The ancient texts, however, are broad-based in scope and general in character. They are not directed specifically to Pompeii and vicinity or to finds from the area. The identification of names and the biology of plants and animals mentioned in the written sources often lead to considerations without a clear-cut answer. The contributors bring these disputes up to date with remarks based on recent research within their own fields of expertise.

In view of the number of species discussed in this volume and the well-known problems experienced by all scientists attempting to identify ancient representations, it is not surprising that the reviewers occasionally have differing suggestions. For example, we would like to propose wood pigeon instead of turtle dove in fig. 118, because it lacks a white-rimmed tail and a brownish ground color. Fig. 294 probably does not depict a falconer, since we have no definite evidence for falconry prior to the sixth century a.d. The man might be a bird catcher carrying a limestick (a long stick smeared with sticky birdlime) and a tethered raptor as "scare-bird." When the prospective prey birds (songbirds) spy the raptor, they do not fly away, but retreat into the bushes where they are easily caught. In our opinion, fig. 303 shows a brambling (wintering in Italy—the colors are those of the male in early spring) instead of a greenfinch. Fig. 344 surely depicts the antlers of a red deer, not of a roe deer. At times, the index is difficult to use because the same plant species might be listed under several entries with different page numbers, e...