Review of Pompeii: The Last Day

This special was loaded with errors of many kinds - some of which were harped on time and again. There is a Latin word (several actually) for volcano - and the people did indeed know what they had in front of them. Not only was Vesuvius celebrated as a deity for its locally recognized role in having its volcanic byproducts enrich the native soil but in August there was a festival celebrating the god Vulcan and his role in bringing them the volcano. Kind of odd to have a festival for something you don't know what it is, isn't it? While some sources tout this I am surprised the BBC would; and seem to also continue the myth that it did not erupt anytime around AD 79 - which it did, and has over 3 dozen times since. There is a difference also between pyroclastic surges and flows; and it was the latter that caused such a problem - in addition to the accompanying ground surges. Certain events surrounding the Pliny family are incorrect as are a few on the circumstances around Pliny the Elder's planned rescue. The aqueduct project was in 1592, not 1594 - a commonly repeated mistake again, but still. And also - while recent evidence is pretty definitive showing the eruption did not happen in August there were a lot of doubts throughout and none of those are mentioned - people are wearing summer clothing instead of the winter ones many were found with. While the costumes and some photography are well done I expected much more from the BBC.