Let the latest exhibition at the San Diego Natural History Museum transport you back in time.  Nearly 2,000 years.  And experience life and death in the ancient Roman Empire as you uncover a city steeped in mystery and legend: A Day in Pompeii.

Frozen in Time
On August 24, 79 CE, Mt. Vesuvius erupted, burying Pompeii and its neighboring cities for nearly 1,700 years.  Frozen in time and forgotten until accidental discovery in 1748, the excavation of Pompeii paints one of the most comprehensive portraits of city life at the pinnacle of the Roman Empire.

A Day in the Life
A Day in Pompeii features over 250 artifacts uncovered by archaeologists in the ancient cosmopolitan resort city of Pompeii.  From gold coins to garden frescos.  Jewelry to statuary.  The artifacts, Italian national treasures, give visitors a glimpse into what life was like in the Roman Empire nearly 2,000 years ago.  What’s more, many of these stunning pieces have never been on public display before 2007.  And San Diego is only the fourth city in the whole US to host these rare finds.

Final Moments
Perhaps the most dramatic and personal sight of the exhibition are the body casts, made from the cavities left in the ash after the bodies of those buried decomposed.  The figures are caught in their last moments, shielding their faces, and clinging to each other.  Even a dog impression was preserved.  These eight figures, paired with the extensive collection of artifacts, are sure to leave a lasting impression.

San Diego Natural History Museum is located in Balboa Park at the intersection of Village Place and Park Boulevard.  Open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas.  For more info, call 619-232-3821 or 877-946-7797, and visit www.sdnhm.org or www.sdpompeii.org.