The BBC has announced a new addition to its popular archaeological series, Pompeii: The New Dig, revisiting the iconic site of Pompeii. The upcoming documentary, titled ‘The Woman With The Pearl Earrings,’ will provide viewers with a glimpse into the lives of the ancient city’s elite and the contrast between their luxurious lifestyles and the living conditions of the enslaved.
In the new episode, archaeologists focus on a house believed to have been owned by a high-ranking politician. Inside, the remains of a young man and an older woman were discovered, clutching a box of exquisite jewelry and gold coins. This find offers a unique window into the luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by the house’s owners.
This film serves as a follow-up to the successful three-part series ‘Pompeii: The New Dig,’ which aired on BBC Two and iPlayer in April, attracting nearly three million viewers. The series highlighted the work of Italian archaeologists in bringing ancient Pompeii to life, including the discovery of notable artifacts such as the “pizza fresco” and the “black room” frescos.
Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual, shared his enthusiasm: “When I heard that two new bodies had been discovered at the site, I knew the BBC had to go back to Pompeii. Who were these people? How did they live? And why did they stay behind when so many fled? The dig will feel like a detective investigation as the archaeologists try to work their way towards an answer. This is an exceptional, once-in-a-generation excavation, and I can’t wait to share it with BBC viewers.”
Richard Bradley, Chief Creative Officer of Lion TV, the production company behind the series, added: “It’s been a privilege to have a ringside seat with the Italian archaeologists in this excavation of this iconic site. The jaw-dropping discoveries continue and we are thrilled to be able to bring the new finds to the BBC viewers and those around the world.”
The upcoming 60-minute episode is set to air on BBC Two and iPlayer in 2025. It is commissioned by Jack Bootle and executive-produced by Richard Bradley, with direction from Pompeii expert Elena Mortelliti and production by Marco Gangarossa.
