SOME of the best preserved pieces of ancient history are in Sydney.
The Australian National Maritime Museum has unpacked a selection of artefacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum for its new Escape from Pompeii exhibition.
Visitors can learn the untold story of the rescue attempt by the Roman Navy's commander Pliny the Elder following the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79AD.
Some of the highlights include a rostrum, used by navy vessels to ram other ships, and every day items recovered from Pompeii including jewellery, lamps, tableware and food preserved by the ash.
Five body casts of victims who lost their lives in the disaster are also on display.
The artefacts come from some of Italy's leading institutions.
Escape from Pompeii is on now until 30 August.
Tickets $32/$20/$79.
- Details http://www.anmm.gov.au/, (02) 9298-3777.
