This course explores many aspects of life - entertainment, worship, work, shopping, dining - in the ancient city of Pompeii. In all of these activities, plants played a fundamentally important role.

A "treasure hunt" and paper assignment (see student paper published on page 4 of the Fall 2007 Botanic Garden newsletter) introduced students to key plants of ancient Mediterranean culture found in the Lyman Plant House.

Students planted Pompeian gardens in planter boxes and learned about the culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses of these plants. These gardens became part of an exhibition curated by Victoria I, entitled Pompeian Gardens: Illustrations from A Pompeian Herbal, December 1-7, 2007, in the Jannotta Gallery in Hillyer Art Building.

Course funds contributed to planting and exhibition expenses.