I haven't read the book, but I wonder if it would have been possible if everything had been destroyed by the time she got there.
"I got mine!"
I’m reminded of the cave paintings in France. They used to be open to tourists, but it was discovered that that the paintings were deteriorating because of the CO2 exhaled by the tourists. So they built a nearby replica, so the tourists se that instead of the real thing. Kind of like Disneyland.
The headline makes her sound like a philistine, but she’s actually got a valid point. The place was a town destroyed by a volcanic eruption. It’s already ruined. The elements (sun, rain, wind) wear away at the place, too. Of course, you want to minimize destruction to the site by tourists, but to close the place off to tourists to “preserve it” does seem a bit misguided.
I’ve downloaded, and watched several of her documentary series, and I’ve found her an excellent historian. You can tell she really loves Roman history, It would be a pleasure to take a course from her.
I’m not sure I agree with her. How long before the tramping of tourists destroy the place?
On the other hand she could easily play Margaret Rutherford’s part in Blithe Spirit. Anyone else notice her resemblance to her?
So you can ruin a ruin. Can you ruin a rune?
All things in this world are temporary. Pompeii is at the foot of an active volcano and will be buried again. Dig it up, document everything, then let the tourist come and see it while preserving the site as best as they can.
You’re not going to hear anyone say this about the Roman Coliseums and attached ruins.
Several years ago, I was in Pompeii taking incredible photos of everything I found interesting. I came into an area where I found three Amphora wine vessels leaning up against a wall. Once I got my photo, I walked out and was confronted by the tour guide. He told me that I was in an area that was restricted because of the sensitive nature of ancient structures. Back then, they were afraid that the traffic of tourists would destroy the roadway through the ruins. I think, if they were so careful back then, they must be just as careful now.
I guess that academia won’t care if they lose a wacko professor. Fair is fair.
Visited Pompeii when I was stationed in Italy - very interesting tour and can’t see why someone would be so cavalier about destroying it.
I enjoy Mary Beard’s work and videos. I even sprung for a pricey hard cover edition of her excellent book “SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome” (https://www.amazon.com/SPQR-History-Ancient-Mary-Beard-dp-0871404230/dp/0871404230/ref=mt_hardcover?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1540746493
However, she really pissed me off with her comments shortly after the 9-11 attack where she said that America deserved it because of our oppressive foreign policies. While she’s a brilliant classical historian and authority on ancient Rome, she’s also a typical arrogant British leftist/socialist, with all that entails. I just detach and separate those aspects, and enjoy her Roman history work.