Stream now with KPBS Passport / Watch Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV
What were the last days of Pompeii like before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius 2,000 years ago? The dazzling discovery of an intact wooden chariot, the only one ever found, provides new insight into the social classes of the ancient city.
An ornate ceremonial chariot was recently discovered in the ruins of Pompeii, offering insights into the lives of wealthy, high-ranking landowners who lived outside the city. Buried by the Vesuvius eruption 2,000 years ago, this is not a humble transport cart. “It’s the Lamborghini of this ancient world,” says Eric Poehler, an expert on ancient infrastructure in Pompeii.
Watch On Your Schedule: SECRETS OF THE DEAD "Last Days of Pompeii" is available to stream with KPBS Passport, a benefit for members supporting KPBS at $60 or more yearly, using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Chromecast. Learn how to activate your benefit now.
Film Interviewees
- Massimo Osanna – Director General, Italian State Museums
- Gabriel Zuchtriegel – Director, Pompeii Archaeological Park
- Claudio Scarpati – Vulcanologist, University of Naples Federico II
- Marco Fabbri – Archaeologist, Tor Vergata University of Rome
- Federico Giletti – Archaeologist
- Eric Poehler – Professor of Classics and Author of The Traffic Systems of Pompeii
- Steven Ellis – Professor of Classics, University of Cincinnati
- Chiara Comegna – Archaeobotanist
- Teresa Virtuoso – Archaeologist
- Valeria Amoretti – Anthropologist
- Ludovica Alesse – Official Restorer
- Paola Sabbatucci – Official Restorer
- Luana Toniolo – Official Archaeologist
- Raffaele Martinelli – Official Architect
- Domenico Sparice – Vulcanologist
- Roberta Prisco – Restorer
About The Series: As one of PBS’s ongoing limited primetime series, SECRETS OF THE DEAD is a perennial favorite, routinely ranking among one of most-watched series on public television. Now in its 20th season, SECRETS OF THE DEAD uses the latest scientific discoveries to challenge prevailing ideas and share fresh perspectives on historical events. The series has received 10 CINE Golden Eagle Awards and six Emmy nominations, among numerous other awards.
SECRETS OF THE DEAD is on Facebook
Credits: A co-production of RAI Documentari, GEDEON Programmes, and Roller Coaster Road Productions LLC, in association with The WNET Group. Produced by Steve Burns, Stéphane Millière, and Fabrizio Zappi. Written by Doug Cohen. Narrated by Jay O. Sanders. Stéphane Millière is executive producer for GEDEON Programmes. Steve Burns is executive producer for Roller Coaster Road. For Secrets of the Dead: Benjamin Phelps is supervising producer. Stephanie Carter is executive producer. Stephen Segaller is executive in charge.
