How did historical fact replace the fanciful notions of Rome and its ancient society?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The discovery and excavations of Herculaneum and Pompeii in the 18th century revealed actual artifacts, buildings, and art from ancient Rome that provided a more accurate depiction of their society. This led to a shift towards historical fact and away from fanciful notions. While the works of Gibbon, Winckelmann, and David also contributed to this shift, they were not as directly tied to the discovery of physical evidence.

How Did Historical Fact Replace the Fanciful Notions of Rome