'Life and Death in Pompeii and Herculaneum': Rare artefacts on show at British Museum

Almost 2,000 years ago the volcano Mount Vesuvius erupted and destroyed its surroundings including two ancient towns - Pompeii and Herculaneum. But despite the destruction life had been preserved under layers of ash and pumice. It is these objects - 250 artefacts, some of which have rarely been seen outside Italy - which provide a fascinating glimpse into the life and death of these Roman towns. The exhibition 'Life and Death in Pompeii and Herculaneum' at the British Museum runs from March 28 to September 29 and costs £15.