Stepping into the ancient towns of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata (often referred to as Forgotten Cities) is like stepping back in time. Indeed, time seems to have frozen at these sites, which offer a rare glimpse into the lives of the ancient Romans. Eerily preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD the excavated towns offer a...

When Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD79 it destroyed the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, their inhabitants and their prized possessions – among them a fine library of scrolls that were carbonised by the searing heat of ash and gas. But scientists say there may still be hope that the fragile documents can once more be read thanks to an innovative appr...