Many thanks to the Ancient World Mapping Center for giving me permission to post this map in anticipation of the release of Song of the Nile, my forthcoming novel about Cleopatra’s daughter. I’m delighted to be able to share it with readers.

Courtsey of the Ancient World Mapping Center (www.unc.edu/awmc)

On August 24, 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius exploded, killing thousands and burying Pompeii under a layer of ash. You might not think this is cause to celebrate, but the largest volcanic explosion in recorded history is apparently a holiday.

Perhaps this is meant in the sober spirit of Memorial Day, in which we remember those we’ve lost. To that end, I’d like to share this recent article exploring a cheery new theory that many of the casualties of that ancient disaster were not suffocated, but ‘cooked alive.’

The city of Pompeii and its surrounds were still untouched by this tragedy during the lifetime of Cleopatra Selene, but in the sequel to Lily of the Nile, I do have her visiting the resort town of Baiae, where the air smelled like sulfur and the ground was warm to the touch. It turns out that volcanic activity made for some delightful hot tubs!