The Enduring Fascination with Pompeii: Understanding Our Continued Obsession
Unearthing a New Vision of Antiquity: Pompeii’s Revival Under Director Gabriel Zuchtriegel
The ancient city of Pompeii—frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE—has captivated historians, archaeologists, and the public for centuries. Yet, in recent years, the allure of Pompeii has been revitalized through new methods of storytelling, excavation, and engagement under the leadership of Gabriel Zuchtriegel, appointed in February 2021 as director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park. Zuchtriegel, a German-born classical archaeologist, has brought a fresh, deeply personal, and accessible approach to one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites.
From Excavation to Communication
Zuchtriegel’s tenure as director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park has shifted the site’s focus from not only being a world heritage excavation zone but also a dynamic cultural institution. Key among his strategies is rapid and public-facing communication of new archaeological discoveries. Unlike older models where findings remained buried in academic journals for years, Zuchtriegel has promoted synchronized announcements via digital press releases, official social media platforms like Instagram, and major broadcasting collaborations with global networks such as PBS and the BBC.
Under his guidance, the archaeological park has also begun digitizing excavation journals and promoting academic transparency. These efforts have democratized access to information and allowed global audiences to feel more directly connected with new research as it unfolds in real time.
A Vision Beyond Pompeii’s Walls
Zuchtriegel has also been instrumental in expanding the definition of what constitutes “Pompeii.” No longer solely focused on the city’s walled ruins, his administration actively promotes tourism and scholarly interest in nearby, lesser-known sites such as Boscoreale, Longola, Torre Annunziata, Civita Giuliana, and Castellammare di Stabia. These satellite locations offer complementary insights into the broader Campanian region’s social and economic fabric, from ancient port towns to agricultural outposts, thereby enriching the Pompeian narrative.
A Book Bridging Time: The Buried City
Perhaps the most personal extension of Zuchtriegel’s work is his recently published book, The Buried City: Unearthing the Real Pompeii (University of Chicago Press, 2025). Originally written in German and translated into English by Jamie Bulloch, the book serves as a compelling mix of archaeological exploration, memoir, and cultural reflection.
With 53 vibrant photographs and detailed narratives, Zuchtriegel guides readers through the physical and emotional landscapes of Pompeii. He introduces readers to the logistical challenges of running a world-famous archaeological site, refers to internal controversies—such as accusations of “marketing stunts” following media-publicized discoveries—and doesn’t shy away from offering his own emotional responses to the site’s tumultuous stewardship.
An Emphasis on Humanity
One of the book’s most distinguishing features is its human dimension. Rather than focusing solely on monumental architecture or elite Roman culture, Zuchtriegel centers the lives of everyday Pompeians—from enslaved domestic workers to merchants and artisans. For example, his compassionate retelling of the 2021 discovery of an enslaved family’s cramped quarters at Civita Giuliana draws a vivid image of life in shadowed spaces.
He even confronts contested inscriptions, like the phrase “Sodom(a) Gomora,” found etched near a public space. Rather than attributing it to a single religious or cultural origin, Zuchtriegel acknowledges the interpretative ambiguity while subtly mapping the religious demographics of ancient Pompeii—including Jewish presence and the lack of evidence for early Christianity.
However, some of the author’s analogies have drawn critique. For instance, comparing the confined living conditions of ancient enslaved individuals to displaced East Prussian refugees after World War II feels like an overreach, risking historical equivalence between drastically different circumstances. Another shortcoming is the near-total omission of American-led excavations at Pompeii, despite their longstanding role in the site’s rediscovery and analysis. This omission is conspicuous, particularly when the book is marketed to an American audience.
The Business of Antiquity
Zuchtriegel’s story is not simply academic; it’s economic. With Pompeii generating around €20 million (~$22.5 million USD) annually in revenue, tourism plays a vital role in funding conservation. The Buried City offers an insider’s look into this lucrative archaeological tourism industry—a balancing act between safeguarding priceless cultural heritage and maintaining accessibility for millions of visitors.
A Transparent, Relatable Pompeii
Ultimately, Zuchtriegel’s stewardship and writing reflect a growing trend in public archaeology: breaking down walls (literal and metaphorical) between experts and the wider public. His commitment to communication, transparency, and inclusion (including engaging younger audiences via social media) injects new life into Pompeii’s ruins. The aim is clear: to render the ancient world not as alien or elite, but as profoundly human.
Through memoir