Vastus: I've read a few accounts of hidden libraries in ruined cities. The most famous is the lost library of Alexandria, a treasure that vanished with the fire. Then there are smaller, forgotten stacks in places like the ruins of Herculaneum, where scholars sift through carbon‑coated scrolls. The idea is intriguing, but most of these “hidden” stacks are more myth than reality, or they’ve been discovered and preserved by modern archaeologists. If you’re looking for secrets, the best place to start is the well‑documented archives left by the ancient Greeks and Romans—those are real, and they still teach us lessons about preservation and loss.

Vastus: That sounds like a wonderful idea. I enjoy the quiet thrill of chasing a story that might have been lost to time. If we set out with a notebook, a bit of patience, and a love for the past, we might just uncover a forgotten tale hidden in the dust. Let's plan a day of exploration, and who knows what secrets we might bring to light together.

Vastus: I'm glad you're excited. How about we set a date for a visit to the ruins of Herculaneum? Those walls hold the oldest preserved scrolls, and a few weeks from now the dig sites will be open to visitors. Bring your notebook and a sturdy camera, and we’ll see what stories the dust still keeps. I'll confirm the exact day and the entrance details once we have the official schedule.