ABSTRACT
A brochure of the mid-1990s advertises a range of family adventure destinations in the United States—“taking you where you’ve never been before.” 1 In particular, a Virginia theme park promises that “the magical wonders of old world Europe” will be revealed by a trip through “nine authentically recreated villages” and recommends further that visiting families
take off on a wet and wild expedition through the ruins of Pompeii. You’ll board a 20-passenger boat which ascends mechanically to study sites inside the ruined structures … till a tremendous rumbling brings debris, flame and lava crashing around you. 2
