A rich chronology of poems from history that were unearthed through archaeology, accompanied by compelling stories of how they survived.

The poems in this book nearly didn’t get into print—every one of them was lost to history at some point in time. But, due to the efforts of archaeologists and historical researchers, they were all rediscovered. 

The poems encompass passionate love lyrics, laments for vanished youth, elegies for deceased friends and lovers, epics about death and destruction, and odes to fresh fruit and vegetables. Each one is accompanied by a story of how it was written and rediscovered.

About The Author

Nicholas Bateman is an archaeologist who headed the Museum of London’s archaeology department for many years, and worked as Site Director for excavations of the Roman amphitheatre discovered below Guildhall. He is the author of over 30 academic articles, papers and books. He lives in Kent.