Here, Roman historian and archaeologist Dr Joanne Berry shares eight lesser-known Pompeii facts...

1) Pompeii is not frozen in time, nor is it a perfect time-capsule The eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 caused vast damage – fires were started, rooftops were swept away, columns collapsed. Most of the inhabitants of the town escaped into the surrounding countryside (although we have no idea how many of those died there). They took with them small valuables, like coins and jewellery, and lamps. Organic materials, like sheets, blankets, clothes, curtains, were mostly destroyed.

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Source: http://www.historyextra.com/