At the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville, I gave a presentation with fellow historical fiction author (and new friend!) Kim Teter. During my talk, a video of a real pyroclastic surge I wanted to play for the audience wouldn't cooperate, so I told everyone that I would put it on my blog. So here it is! This, my friends, is what killed everyone in Pompeii. However, our … [Read more...] about Real Pyroclastic Surges
Ancient World
Friday Funnies–Ancient Style!
And We Have a Winner!
Because of my travels to the Southeastern Independent Bookseller's Association conference, I failed to announce the winner of Hades Speaks! A Guide to the Underworld by the Greek God of the Dead. Congrats to Donna! Thank you all for participating and for spreading the word about "H-man." … [Read more...] about And We Have a Winner!
Excellent New Video on Life as a Gladiator
My novel of Pompeii is set in a gladiatorial school, so I was excited to see this short documentary-like video about what life was really like for gladiators. I'll admit I gave a little squee when the medicus showed up, given that Tag, one of the main characters in Curses and Smoke: A Novel of Pompeii, is a medical slave in a struggling gladiatorial school of his own. The film … [Read more...] about Excellent New Video on Life as a Gladiator
No, Pompeii was NOT Destroyed in August
At least once during August, you're likely to hear, “On this day/month in history, Vesuvius erupted and destroyed the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.” Um, not exactly. According to many scholars, Vesuvius erupted much later in the fall. Still, most Latin and history textbooks continue to print (and reprint) August 24th as the … [Read more...] about No, Pompeii was NOT Destroyed in August
