Pompeii II

On a large plot of land in Italy, in Campania and near the coast (but a relatively safe distance away from Vesuvius - safer than the original, anyway) build a full-scale replica of Pompeii based on the archaeological facts but using contemporary materials to save on cost. Decorate and furnish the city as far as possible as it would have been in the early part of 79AD (pre-eruption). Install CCTV cameras everywhere, inside and outside buildings (there would be areas that would be designated as private).

Nearby, build a combined visitor centre, research building, and support facility.

Populate the city with volunteers, students and experimental archaeologists plus craftsmen and reenactors, with appropriate domestic and domesticated animals. In the beginning of the experiment there would need to be a certain amount of "pump-priming" i.e. an external supply of bread (or pre-milled flour), meat, etc. until the population grew large and stable enough to fulfill those functions internally. There would of course be a continuous supply of appropriate foodstuffs (grain, wine, grapes, fruit, animals etc.) from the surrounding countryside, but these would have to be "paid" for, as would any materials that the city would have to import in normal circumstances; refined metals, timber, charcoal, clay for pots.

Participants agree to "live" the Roman lifestyle full time in the city for a minimum of 28 days. This includes clothing, diet, work, leisure. They would agree to have no contact with the modern world unless there was an internal (medical) or external (family) emergency. They can, however, write and receive letters, and would be encouraged to keep a diary. Basic fluency in Latin woud be a requirement. Vegetarians and the squeamish need not apply.

They would also be available to be questioned during their stay by the researchers who would enter the city "in character". Everything woud be recorded by the CCTV system for academic analysis although the pay-per-view webcams in the brothels might be a useful source of revenue.

At the end of their stay they would be debriefed on their experience.

Tourists would be allowed in, but only in small, carefully supervised parties, in costume and possibly performing appropriate tasks i.e. bringing goods to market.

A huge amount of invaluable data on how a Roman city really worked could be obtained. The city would also make a great film set.

Some aspects such as combat in the arena would have to be moderated to fit in with modern sensibilities. Animals would receive modern veterinary attention if required.

However, the problems of keeping food fresh in the absence of refrigerators, and of disposing of waste, would be part of the research.