This book is based on an in-depth conversation between Howard Burton and Andrew Wallace-Hadrill, Director of Research and Honorary Professor of Roman Studies in the Faculty of Classics at the University of Cambridge. This wide-ranging conversation covers his fascinating archeological work done in Herculaneum and Pompeii, the politics of excavation, and life in the ancient Roman world.This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Historical Value, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:I. What We Know - History and geologyII. Letting Sleeping Dogs Lie - Exploring historical motivationsIII. Exploring Roman Society - Housing, slavery, citizenship and statusIV. Herculaneum vs. Pompeii - Different eyes on the pastV. The Future of the Past - Excavation, preservation and spending effectivelyAbout Ideas Roadshow Conversations Series: This book is part of a series of 100 Ideas Roadshow Conversations. Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research featuring world-leading researchers but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.